School Counselor Leader: Bring Out the Best in Everyone

My experience suggests that often, school counselors do not feel they are leaders in the educational system. We may doubt ourselves and say that our principals are the leaders…our superintendent is the leader…our school counseling director leads us…all of which is true. These individuals do have positional power in our school system. They make decisions and lead others daily. But what about you? What about school counselors serving as leaders?

During our recent conversation about leadership in the school system, Loretta Whitson, Ed.D., CASC executive director, brought up something that really struck me. She spoke to the idea of leaders acting as the orchestra conductor; they don’t have to know how to play the instruments but must be able to bring out the best in everyone around them. In his book “Leadershift,” J.C. Maxwell shares a statement by Eric Jacobsen, an American violinist turned conductor: “Ideally a conductor is a catalyst for mutual understanding, with the orchestra becoming greater than the sum of its parts”

Relating this concept of being a school counselor leader within the school system begins with discovering the process of vulnerability, adopting a leadership state of mind, and working collaboratively – regardless of the official position we may hold. Great systems comprise multiple leaders, watching and listening to those around them and bringing their ideas to others.   Often, we serve not only as one of the players in the orchestra, but also as the conductor in a student’s process. We are already equipped with the tools to support our students and we are often the liaison between administration, teachers, parents and students. Through this we can inspire others around us and be at the cornerstone of systemic change to ultimately help our students. When we stand up for what we believe is best for kids, our programs, and our school district, that’s when we transformation begins.

Wondering where to start? You already have, just by being in your position as a school counselor. I share here an article about the ways school counselors serve as leaders within the school system that hit me like a bolt of lightning when I read it. I hope it connects with you, too.

Contact Amy Dauble-Madigan, CASC president and a school counselor with Culver City Unified School District, at amy.dauble@schoolcounselor-ca.org.