Keeping Perspective as a Leader
One week after winning the most historic U.S. election of our times, President-elect Barack Obama took his two daughters to school.
As I watched the video news coverage of Obama with his daughters - and secret security detail in tow - I couldn't help but think of the many challenges this family now faces. Juggling a career and young children is daunting for any parent, let alone when your "career" is running the United States of America.
But, the news of Obama's trip to school with his girls made me optimistic about how this father and his family would weather the many trials and tribulations four years in the White House will bring. What Barack Obama clearly understands - unlike many American executives - is how important it is, no matter your career role, to preserve your family and yourself.
When the Board of Visitors appointed me acting president last summer, I quickly took stock of the many duties I would have to complete, numerous functions I must attend, countless e-mails, phone calls and letters to which I'd have to respond, and the overall strategic direction I would be required to provide. While my role as vice president of institutional advancement presented most of these same challenges, clearly the role of acting president would increase them exponentially.
As I thought about structuring my days - and nights - into a workable schedule, I realized that life is about making daily choices. There is no question being a college president is a full-time job. But it doesn't take away - if you manage your time - from doing community and family things as well. And I believe that ensuring those things remain a priority in your life make you a better leader in return.
For example, every Thursday night from 4 - 7 p.m. is the window for my graduate class in Darden College of Education entitled, "School Community Relations and Politics." This class is primarily for educators who aspire to be principals, administrators or superintendents. This is the first semester I have offered the class on-line, but I have been impressed with how easy technology makes the transition from traditional to this new approach. I also have a wonderful graduate assistant, Ruth Jenkins, who makes my life simple.
Then, there is my youth soccer coaching duties for the City of Chesapeake, which I have been doing for more than six years. This has been a splendid opportunity to spend quality time with my youngest son, Aaron, plus meet many terrific kids and families. I enjoy watching Aaron play, but I really enjoy getting to know 15 - 20 different young people every fall and spring. The other night reminded me why I do it. Sure, I got to watch Aaron score two goals, but I walked to my car after the game with three former players, who wanted to catch me up on their lives. My friend, John Scott, assists me with coaching and is always available on nights and days when I am not.
There is also my commitment to my own exercise routine. I am not a great long-distance runner, but I manage to run about five days a week. Sometimes I enjoy a leisurely three-mile jog at noon with ODU football coach Bobby Wilder. With both of us being New Englanders, you can image much of our run consists of talking about the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics.
On the weekends, it is a different story. Normally, I run and let me emphasize the word - run - with my wife, Kate. Her approach is not at all like Bobby's. We typically go hard for five miles. We don't talk much and for good reason, since her pace does not allow me to breathe and chat at the same time.
Finally, when we have breaks from an ODU or community function, chances are good we are entertaining our two-year-old granddaughter Ally. She enjoys our company, but our two-year-old cocker spaniel is still far more interesting to her than her grandparents. But that time shared is something we'll never get a second chance at - presidency or not.
Certainly the idea of prioritizing your life is nothing new or earth shattering. And yet, so many successful people I meet still struggle with the idea. It is not easy. I learned from my own parents, who worked hard to ensure a good life for me and my brother but always recognized that money and prestige are nothing in the eyes of a child. And that is why I was so heartened at seeing President-elect Obama taking his daughters to school. His children - and our nation - can learn a lot from that one small action.