As you kick off a new fiscal year and tackle the challenges of reorganizing your board team, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on what makes leadership truly effective. With new leaders stepping in and dynamics shifting, focusing on what makes a board successful can set the stage for a productive year ahead.

To truly excel, a board must be more than just a collection of individuals; it needs to be a cohesive team where every member is committed to effective leadership. Picture this: a board where all seven members bring their unique strengths and perspectives to a shared vision. That’s the kind of board that thrives.

When I think about effective leadership, Tim Elmore’s book The Eight Paradoxes of Effective Leadership always comes to mind. Elmore highlights how great leadership often involves navigating contradictions—like balancing action with reflection, being outgoing yet introspective, or showing confidence while staying humble. Embracing these paradoxes helps leaders adapt their approach to fit various situations.

Here’s some ways you can navigate these leadership paradoxes:

1.  Balance Visibility with Support

At the start of a project, having a clear, visible leader is essential for setting goals and guiding the team. But as things progress, it’s equally important for that leader to step back and let team members take charge. This shift helps everyone grow and shine. You have to know when to step into the spotlight and when to let others lead.

2.  Be Stubborn, but Open-Minded

A successful leader needs to be both determined and open-minded. Strong willpower helps overcome obstacles, but being open to new ideas and feedback is just as crucial. Leaders who strike this balance can adapt to changing circumstances and harness the collective strength of their team.

3.  Address Skill Gaps

No leader is perfectly equipped for every situation. Recognizing and addressing gaps in skills and knowledge is key. The best leaders know when to step aside and let others with the right expertise take over. It’s about leveraging the team’s strengths to fill any gaps and keep things running smoothly.

4.  Redefine Leadership

Leadership isn’t just about being out front and in charge. It’s about understanding everyone’s needs, listening to different perspectives and guiding the team towards a common goal. A great leader connects problems with solutions, drawing on the team’s diverse skills to find the best strategies. 

5.  Blend Generational Leadership Styles

Elmore also points out how different generations approach leadership. Older generations might lean towards a command-and-control style, while younger generations often prefer a more collaborative and entrepreneurial approach. On a school board you often have many generations of leaders working together. Blending these styles requires flexibility and adaptability. 

Remember, as a board member you have a broader understanding of schools and public education than most community members. While educators and administrators often operate in a silo, focusing on what is happening in their buildings or classrooms, you see the bigger picture. So always stay curious, engage with your community and bring valuable insights back to the board.

By embracing these principles, you can set your board up for success and make a meaningful impact this year. Remember, effective leadership is not a destination but a journey. It’s about continuous learning, adapting, and growing together as a team.