Empowering Leadership: Joe Sanfelippo on Finding Joy, Trusting Teams, and Valuing the Present

In this episode, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Author and Superintendent, will share insights on transforming leadership through mindful task management, team empowerment, and proactive support systems.

Hosted by NAESP member, author, and keynote speaker Adam Welcome, NAESP Leadership Conversations is a new way to bring you professional learning and in-depth conversations from thought leaders in the field. Through these conversations, you’ll learn strategies to do your job better with more satisfaction, collaboration, and flexibility and gain tools you can use daily.

 Top Takeaways:

1. Find Joy in Your Work: Shift your mindset from merely completing tasks to appreciating and enjoying the process. This can lead to a more fulfilling work experience.
2. Empower Your Team: Trust and empower your team members. Building their capacity and confidence leads to a more self-sufficient and effective team.
3. Support Over Helpdesk: Focus on supporting your team in a way that encourages growth and independence, rather than simply solving their problems for them.
4. Retention is Key: Make staff feel valued and supported consistently, not just on special recognition days. This helps in retaining talent and maintaining a motivated team.
5. Proactive Support Systems: Implement support systems, like regular check-ins and mentor programs, before reaching a crisis point to maintain a positive work environment.
6. Value the Present: Avoid constantly seeking new initiatives at the expense of undervaluing current ones. Appreciate and optimize existing processes and initiatives.
7. Admit Limitations: Recognize that as a leader, you don’t have all the answers. Admitting this can help you slow down and empower those around you.
8. Recognize and Support Colleagues: Take care of your colleagues, as they are crucial in taking care of students. Acknowledge their efforts and provide the necessary support systems.
9. Continuous Conversations: Maintain ongoing dialogues about support and outcomes to ensure a positive and effective work environment.
10. Build Confidence Through Involvement: Involve your staff in the process, making them feel like an integral part of the team. This boosts their confidence and commitment.

Reflection Questions:

• How often do I take the time to appreciate the process of completing my tasks, rather than just focusing on ticking them off my list?
• In what ways am I currently empowering my team members to take on leadership roles, and how can I further build their capacity and trust?
• Do I have proactive support systems in place for my team, and how regularly do I check in with them to ensure they feel valued and supported?
• Am I balancing the desire for new initiatives with a genuine appreciation and optimization of our existing processes and programs?
• How comfortable am I with admitting my limitations as a leader, and how can I use this awareness to slow down and better empower those around me?