Yesterday Rory McIlroy won the British Open golf tournament. It was the fulfillment of a dream he had envisioned and practiced at least 15 years ago.
Back then, with the blind innocence of a 10-year old, he would walk into the Holywood Golf Club pro shop and fill out a scorecard. Where it read Competition, McIlroy would carefully print Open Championship. Then he would record his make-believe score and make it something preposterous. He would finish by signing his name, just as he signed his name Sunday night in the scorer's cabin located only a flop wedge away from Hoylake's clubhouse. (Rory McIlroy inches closer to history)
What happened yesterday wasn't a fluke. Mr. McIlroy combined his vision with talent, preparation, and grit to accomplish what only two other men in golf history have accomplished--winning three major championships before the age of 25 years old. Rory McIlroy had a dream--do you?
Don't underestimate the power of having a dream!
The status quo approach to school leadership (and to life) is to freelance, making it up as we go along. Why then do we wonder why we don't achieve greatness? Those who do have a "plan" often struggle because it's only partially developed and they lack an effective way to adapt to changing conditions. Static plans are dead!
Clear vision and conviction are secrets to success for the great leaders in golf, in business, and in education. Passion, energy and motivation alone are not enough.
What's in your future? Allow your mind to go there--imagine what you and your school are going to be. See where you want to be in vivid detail. Achieving your dream will require faith, hard work, overcoming the doubts of some and other obstacles, along with an incredible amount of energy.
But you can do it!
Do the leaders throughout your school feel as though they are on a mission? Do they have a driving sense of purpose that motivates the cultivation of raving fans? To achieve your dream school, you need every teacher, staff member, parent, and board member to work together toward your common goals. You may be able to get them to work on time with a paycheck, but getting them to inspire greatness in your students requires faith in you and your plans.
