Dear Janet,

Guess what? I am now a Vice-Principal! I'm writing to let you know that your leadership and wisdom stretched me to become a better version of myself. Sometimes I think that you knew me better than I knew me. You led me with your actions, with your words and even with your silence. You are the leader that I want to be.

You led when you listened. You listened to my thoughts, my ideas, my rants, and my wonderments. You didn't interrupt. You just listened until I was done. You made me feel like what I had to say was important. I want to be a good listening leader.

You led when you questioned me. Rather than telling me what to do, you asked me questions until I figured out how to solve it on my own. You would never just solve it for me, even if I begged. I want to be a good questioning leader.

You led by believing. You believed in my abilities. You never hesitated to give me challenging tasks with little direction and trusted I would "make it so". You empowered me to believe in my own abilities. You also helped me believe that it was ok to mess up. Being perfect is not what matters. If I was ever feeling down on myself about a mistake, you would allow it for one day only saying, "So you made a mistake. Oh well. Learn and get over it." I want to be a believing leader.

You led by teaching me that not everyone would like me. You always told me I needed thicker skin. This was a hard one for me. You helped me realize the importance of having the hard conversations with people who needed to hear the truth, but understand that they might not like me in the process. I want to be the leader that isn't afraid to have conversations of truth that others might not like hearing.

You led by showing that a good leader doesn't always have to be present. I learned that when an awesome leader leads a team, the team does well, even when the leader is not around. I want to be an empowering leader.

You led by helping me understand it was ok to challenge others in their thinking. You told me I was hired for my thoughts and my voice, and that I shouldn't be scared to challenge others in their thinking, even if they were in a supervisory role. You accepted any questions I had for you about decisions you had made, without judgement. I want to be the leader who helps others believe that challenges and questions are valued.

You led by being you. You shared personal stories of both strength and vulnerability, filled with hopes and fears. People just respected you because of who you were. I want to lead by sharing the real me with others.

Thank you for teaching me to be the leader I am growing to be.

Vice-Principal Kelly