I was enjoying a quiet morning catching up on neglected formalities of school administration when Moses entered my office and flopped down in a chair adjacent from my desk. Moses was enjoying the confines of our In School Suspension program until the supervisor asked him to turn over his iPod and mobile phone.
Being a reasonable principal, I asked Moses a simple question, “Why didn’t you do as the supervisor asked?” Moses’ reply was less than satisfactory. He quickly stood up and retorted that he did not need to stay here for this. As he left my office, I slightly raised my voice. I wasn’t sure what would happen next. I peaked around the corner of my office door just in time to see Moses turn abruptly back into my office and toss both items on my desk.
Moses spent the remainder of the day in our ISS program which is designed to be rehabilitative, not just jail for kids.
Moses’ behavior makes him unique. A friend of my maintains another blog and has authored two books. The title of his second book, The Freak Factor, makes me think that Moses should be provided opportunities to test his loud, abrubt and passionate leadership skills in a productive manner. We haven’t been able to bridge the gap with Moses, yet. His leadership potential is off the charts! I have witnessed other students following Moses’ every move. His peers are his puppets and he is the puppeteer. However, many infamous leaders with similar skill have led others down a dark path. Our buildings goal is to find a place for Moses to use his skills productively and without hinderance.
Each of us unique in our style of leadership as an administrator, teacher, parent, or community member. My challenge is clear. I must develop personally and those serving our students to use their “freakness” to be unique in our 21st century.
Great story. I taught Student Leadership for 3-4 years. I found many students that were like this. Often choosing to lead in ways that were not positive or productive to themselves or those around them. I loved these kids quite a bit. Because once they realized how special they were, they always rose above and beyond what I expected.
In the beginning, I took immediate interest in their daily likes and dislikes. I often asked them specifically for their help on projects and activities knowing they would do exceptional and be in the lime light when doing so. I reminded them daily that they were an amazing leader and asked regularly what kind of world they would want to live in (as you and I both know they could create it!). What a wonderful “probletunity” to explore leadership with youth and identify all youths “freakness”. I commend your efforts.
Not to sound totally dumb, but have you asked Moses? I think that a lot of times we forget to give the student the space to talk. Moses might be shocked to know that you recognize him as a leader. He may not be able to see himself in a positive light, or at least not in that way. I wonder what he would say if you sat him down on a “good day” and told him what you see in him.
Very cool! This is a perfect application of the freak factor. In fact, it happened to me in college. The resident director asked me to become a resident assistant. At the time, I thought I was the reason they had resident assistants.
He told me that my poor behavior showed evidence of leadership potential. I’d never thought of myself as a leader, until he found strength in my weaknesses. I think it is great that you are doing the same for your students.
David Rendall
So, how’s Moses?
Kelly,
Moses, unfortunately, has yet to see the light. I’m looking for that one connection to make the difference, perhaps a different person. Effective leaders must be able to know when to pass the baton to the next member on the team. I’ll keep you posted.
Great post, Adam. Moses, I am certain, will see the light one way or another. You are right about effective leaders being able to know when to pass the baton, but they must also have built up the capacity in others within Moses’ circle of influence. This capacity must be such that they are able and willing to look for those moments with Moses. Great leaders model this. You have done this. You have built this leadership capacity in others. Keep up the great work.