The Watchful Leader

“Leading In Some Perilous Times”

Dear Leaders,

Most of my colleagues know that my Grandma Nettie Mae was quite influential in my life. She was one of my first stellar example of a sound leader. As a young lad, I held onto her every word regardless of the extremity of the situation. There were times when things in our rural community would go awry, seemingly dismal and out of sync. When such was the case, Grandma Nettie Mae would say, “We’re living in some perilous time.” While my relatives around her nodded in agreement, I was often left without the meaning. As a child, this was certainly an unfamiliar phrase. Yet now, as an adult and with full understanding, I concur with my Grandmother. Her words are so true. We, leaders, are leading “in some perilous times.” On one cross street stands COVID-19 and on the other street is civil unrest. This duality has further catapulted leaders to the forefront. As a result, we must be ‘watchful leaders.’ Moreover, we must be leaders who are vigilant. Watchful leaders are those who are always alert, keeping watch over those they lead. These leaders are the ones who shield the people they serve from the snares that may negatively impact them and organizational outcomes. ‘Watchful leaders’ are those who are on the front lines, down in the trenches, championing the people on, giving careful attention to situations at hand while maintaining command and control. For the ‘watchful leader’ knows that all eyes are keenly angled on him or her at all times. To lead through these perilous times, we (leaders) must remain in a ‘watchful’ posture, eagle-eyed to our people, our students, our parents, and our community. For when we are ‘watchful leaders,’ we gain multiple perspectives that can be used to foster a culture where people come to serve the work and others, celebrate and appreciate differences, own and address biases while recognizing that we truly are better together. Be vigilant! More importantly, Be Watchful!

Your teammate,

Dr. Quinn

Leading Influentially For the Times