by Kat Stokes
Recently, I was having coffee with a friend when she asked how my new role was going. I paused for a moment, trying to find the right words for someone who had taken over as the leader of a school during a pandemic and settled on the description: “I am a firefighter.” My job, on a daily basis is to put out “fires,” plan for controlled fires, and prepare others for what to do in the event of a fire. Although our fires are not made of flames and flammable materials, they are really all the same. The fires we deal with are different every day. Some days it is budget issues, an A\C unit (or 4) that go out on the second day of school, water main leaks, COVID19 issues, and the list goes on and on. Amidst it all, the amount of learning that has happened in the past few months about “firefighting” in Lutheran school leadership, has been staggering. All of us could go on and on about the unique challenges of 2020 and COVID19 (which perhaps we will be able to at the ALSS conference, fingers crossed). But in order to keep it under 1000 words, here is my starting line-up of important lessons learned this year.
First, reflection is key. There are ten million things to do during the day, to the point where sleep and family time are compromised often during the week. However, I have gotten into the habit of asking myself three simple questions: 1. What went well? 2. What can be improved? and 3. What’s next? I have about eight notebooks between my house, my office, and my car that have a ridiculous number of notes, but taking those precious moments to jot down quick reflections has taken my leadership to the next level.
Ronald Reagan once famously noted, “Trust but verify.” Yes, I am a millennial and yes, I do quote people who left this earth before I graduated high school. Anyways, this quote still rings true, especially in leadership. It is important to trust the team you surround yourself with as well as trust your instincts, but always verify information and details. I guess this one is two-pronged, because not only should you heed this advice from President Reagan, but you should also surround yourself with leaders and those who want to lead. I am a firm believer that people in leadership should surround themselves with those who want to be leaders as well. Afterall, who will the next “firefighters” of Lutheran education be if not us?
Next, phone a friend. My first year on staff at Valley Lutheran, I attended ALSS in Las Vegas and quickly learned the names of board members, Dave Hahn, and attending members. I rapidly made connections and was even brazen enough to tell select individuals that they would be my mentors from this day forth. (Thank you to those of you who have answered my calls, emails, and texts over the past few months, you have been a blessing to me and my ministry). Use ALSS, LEA, college professors, your church’s leadership, anyone who could be a benefit to you and your ministry. None of us have run your specific ministry, but we all have a heart for ministry and young leaders and are willing to listen and offer advice.
Finally, my dad used to joke that the real person in charge of a place held all of the keys. Although he is only partially right, maintenance people and front office staff do indeed run the school. I think true leaders should be willing to allow others to not only hold the keys, but use the keys as well. Don’t try to control every aspect of your ministry because you will burn yourself out or discourage those who are willing to try or help. Know what your purpose is in your ministry and do it to the best of your ability. Allow others to hold the attendance line passcode, key to the server room, or know where the microphone batteries are stored.
I am going to boldly state that if you are struggling, need advice, or even just pick me up, reach out to an ALSS board member. Yes, we are all busy people; yes we all groan when we get one more email, but part of our role is to support you, pray for you, and lift you up. Plus, I have lots of laffy taffy jokes to share. We want to see Lutheran high schools succeed and that includes you—the “firefighters” on the front lines. Crazy as this statement is, you have made it through almost the entirety of 2020, you are still breathing and by God’s grace, still finding peace and love. I pray God continues to bless you and your entire community.
Kat Stokes is the Principal at Valley Lutheran High School in Phoenix, Arizona. She can be reached at kstokes@vlhs.org.