Interview Reflection

I sat down with Mr. Jon Forsythe. He is a former Superintendent and is the current Director of Student Services for Brenham ISD. He has over 35 years in education and has been a part of the many changes that have accrued to the educational system. I have known and worked with Jon for the past four years. The interview started out like a normal interview does but after about ten minutes it became very informal. In my option, this was the best thing that could have happen. I put the pen down and just started listening to a man that has seen every side of education. Including all of it highs and all of its lows. By the time he was through talking he had answered every question on the sheet without me having to formally  ask them. The following are a few answers that to me are the foundation to being a strong leader and great Superintendent. When I asked him what are the positive aspects of being in a leadership position, like Superintendent he simply said “Being in a position to help a district succeed by working hand in hand with the students, teachers, staff and community.” The thing that I like best is that he put the kids first and that is what our job is all about. The follow up question to that was. What are the difficult aspects to that leadership role? He said, “Having to grow such a thick layer of skin.” For me that will be one of the hardest things to do. I then asked. What do you believe are the attributes of a good Superintendent? He told me, that there are many but the one that is the most important is also the one that is most often over looked. To be a good Superintendent you need to be a great listener. This is so true. Most of the time in our line of work people just want to be heard. If you take five minutes of your day to listen it can pay huge dividends in the future. When I asked Jon, How do you work to develop a shared vision? He gave a one word answer, “collaborate”. I believe that all stakeholders must work together and must have complete buy-in for there to be success on your campus and in your district. Finally, I asked him the question: How do you form a good working relationship with the board? He said this is one of the most difficult things to achieve and then maintain. Jon said, “Communication is the key.” You must keep them informed at all times. The board can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. In closing I would like to add this last little comment that I was left with. A good leader will always do the following. Look, listen, learn and then react.