Week 3: Assert Yourself!
As I continued to "Check" myself by adding value to my role as a school leader, I was intentional about letting my purpose "Radiate" through every action and reaction. Week Three offered me the opportunity to deeply reflect on how my position had shifted in relation to others, particularly those I now directly supervised. Just four months earlier, these individuals had been my colleagues, and in my naivety, I assumed that our collegial interactions would remain the same despite my transition into leadership. #SillyMe — what was I thinking?
It didn’t take long for me to realize that their perception of me had changed. They now saw me as part of "the administration," a label that often carries a distinct connotation within the education system. This shift in perception led me to a stark realization: I was no longer part of the collective "us" but rather viewed as "them."
Navigating the Transition: Embracing New Dynamics
Accepting this realization was challenging because I deeply valued the collegial relationships I had built as a teacher in the building. However, the truth was that the dynamics had undeniably shifted. My role had expanded significantly—from being a classroom teacher responsible for 75 students to a building leader accountable for all 360 students. This new responsibility meant that I had to prioritize the needs of all students, even if it required reprimanding someone with whom I had once shared a valued collegial relationship.
During Week Three, I revisited the teachings of Dr. Lorraine Monroe, who emphasized the importance of leaders believing in themselves—trusting that they possess the skills, capacities, and strength to lead (Monroe, 2003). I needed to embrace the idea that I was "sent to do this work at this particular time" (Monroe, 2003). To be an effective leader, I had to remain confident in my decisions and not let others' perceptions of me in my new role influence my actions.
Asserting Authority and Embracing Leadership Tension
As I continued to grow in my leadership role, I understood the necessity of asserting my authority. I was not "equal" to my staff members in the context of our professional roles, and it was okay if some were uncomfortable or even displeased with my decisions. This discomfort was a natural part of leadership and often stemmed from the constructive tension that drives growth. This concept, which Peter Senge describes as "personal mastery," involves maintaining the "creative tension" between one's vision and current reality (Senge, 2012). It is a delicate balance, symbolized by the pull of a rubber band, where keeping the tension taut helps current reality move toward the vision.
That initial tension created the conditions for me to thrive.
The Intersection of Gender and Leadership
Moreover, as a woman of color in leadership, I acknowledged the additional layer of complexity that gender brought to this journey. Empirical studies highlight that women, in an effort to protect themselves from being disliked, often question their abilities and downplay their achievements, particularly in public settings. We sometimes diminish ourselves before others can (Sandberg, 2013). Week Three’s experiences brought this truth to light, reinforcing the importance of standing confidently in my excellence and modeling the leadership I admired.
I encourage other women leaders, especially those of color, to do the same—believe in your capabilities, assert your authority, and remember — you were chosen for this role for a reason.
Lesson #3
Believe in your ability to lead effectively. It is essential to assert your authority and ensure others understand two critical aspects:
Your function as a leader – your role and responsibilities in guiding and supporting them.
Your purpose in your work – the mission that drives your efforts, whether it’s the success of your organization or, in education, the well-being of the children you serve.
Read along with me:
The Monroe Doctrine: An ABC Guide to What Great Bosses Do by Dr. Lorraine Monroe
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
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***"The creative tension of personal mastery is symbolized by the diagram of a rubber band. As you refine your vision and get a clearer awareness of current reality, the tension grows stronger between them. [...] if you can keep your vision high and the tension taut, even when the gap between your vision and current reality feels threatening or discomfiting, then current reality will move toward your vision." (Senge, 2012)
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Do you have any questions or would like to join the conversation? Reach out anytime! And while you're here, don’t miss out on Antiguan in America: A Racial Autobiography. Dive deeper into the journey of building your racial awareness and disrupting systemic inequities—Purchase your copy now. See you in the next post!
