A Fork in the Road by J. Michael Wilhelm

Author:J. Michael Wilhelm
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Chapter 7

This Whole Thing

Prologue

It is a fact of professional life that an individual’s disposition and ­proclivities can have either a positive or adverse impact on his or her effectiveness. It is extremely helpful when those personality traits align with performance expectations. A detail person is most likely best suited for a position that requires that kind of attention. An extrovert is presumably more productive than an introvert as a salesperson.

School system administration requires multiple competencies that include attention to detail, communication skills, political acumen, facilitation and listening capabilities, and a comprehensive knowledge of educational practice and policy. At the same time, Socrates’s maxim “Know thyself” suggests that the better one understands his or her strengths and weaknesses, the more apt that individual is to take them into account when making decisions or determining how to approach a problem. For example, when hiring an assistant superintendent, a superintendent might choose someone whose skills and attributes complement his or her own.

As human beings we present multiple persona, and hold a variety of fears and compulsions, interests and apathies. We show differing modes of expression for the same emotion, depending on context. We may offer our political opinions in the company of like-minded friends, and demure among those who think differently. These are examples of executive function, the ability to effectively manage our reactions. Self-awareness is critical to choosing the most appropriate and effective response in any given situation.

The following story offers an example of a superintendent who is aware of his predispositions but struggles to apply antidotes to the vulnerabilities they create. He is blindsided when he finds his business manager has exposed him to concerns about mismanagement. He must ask where the fault lies—with the behavior of his business manager or with his own lack of attention to detail. A positive resolution to the issue depends in part on the answer to this question.

This Whole Thing

This whole thing started early on a morning in June. “A Mr. Jim Webb from the Department of Education is on line 2 for you, sir,” was the message in the disembodied voice of his administrative assistant, Ret.

“Thanks,” Parker said. The name didn’t resonate with him.

He punched line 2. “Mr. Webb, good morning. What can I do for you?”

“Superintendent Raymond Parker?” he asked.

Very formal fellow, Parker thought. “Yes, this is he,” he responded in kind.

“Let me introduce myself,” Webb began. “My name is Jim Webb. I am from the financial division of the Department of Education. We review school audits and such. As you must know, we have some concerns about your most recent audit. Can we set up an appointment to meet as soon as possible?”

“Concerns?” Parker asked. He didn’t know of any.

“Yes. I’d rather not discuss this over the phone. I am referring to the management letter from your auditor. You will find them there. When would be good for you?”

Never, he thought. He didn’t know what the guy was talking about. “How about next Monday afternoon, say, one o’clock?” Parker responded

“I was thinking tomorrow,” Webb replied.

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