"A good example is far better than a good precept."
Long before I became a father, I was well aware of the
importance of setting a good example for those listening and watching. However,
being a father of three young children under the age of seven has underscored the
importance of this point. Now, more than ever, I am aware of the importance of
the words I choose to use and the behaviors I display.
Over the past few months my son, Sawyer Owen, has mimicked
my behavior numerous times. Once, after leaving my office door ajar, I entered
the room to see him banging away at my keyboard—just like Daddy does. Recently, he has also appeared to be preoccupied with carrying a coffee cup around the
house, pretending to drink coffee—just like Daddy does. Finally, I was able to
capture him mimicking one of my good habits in the picture below.
Never in my life have I been more aware of the importance of
setting a good example. Sawyer Owen, along with his older sister, Sloane
Kathleen, are constantly watching what I do, listening to what I say, and often
engaging in the same behavior and using the same words I choose to use. If I am
not on my guard, this could prove to be a problem!
As educators, eyes are constantly watching us and ears are
continually picking up that which proceeds from our mouths. Believe it or not,
we are role models for the students we educate, the families we serve, and the
teachers we lead. Therefore, I would suggest that there
is no neutral in regard to what we say and do. People are always looking to us
for direction and guidance. This is a massive responsibility to shoulder, but
it is ours and it is imperative that we embrace it to effect positive change.
Do you want your students and overall school community to
become better problem solvers? Model the way for them. Do you want your staff
to embrace the concept of a growth mindset? Lead the way for them by embracing it first. As educators, we must adopt the maxim popularized by Gandhi: Be the
change you wish to see in the world.
Our nation’s schools need leadership.
One of the most important tenets of leadership is to set a good example for those following you by modeling exactly what you desire to see from them. All educators and educational leaders must embrace this responsibility.
