The Gift of Servant Leadership: Wrapping Up 2024 with Purpose š
- Eli Casaus
- Dec 17, 2024
- 3 min read
In this blog post, I share 3 ways to wrap up the gift of servant leadership in a bow the final days leading up to break.
As the final bells of 2024 echo down the hallways, glittering decorations and cookie crumbs signal that winter break is just around the corner. It's a magical time of year ā not just for students dreaming of snow days and presents, but also for us educators, who are savoring the thought of two glorious weeks without lesson plans or staff meetings. š But before you race out the door like Rudolph on Christmas Eve, consider the unique gift you can offer your school community: the gift of servant leadership.
Being a servant leader means putting others first ā students, teachers, and families ā even when all you really want is to sip eggnog in your reindeer slippers. And just like a good holiday gift, it doesnāt have to cost much but will leave a lasting impact. Here are three strategies to help you sprinkle some servant-leadership magic during this final week of the year:
1. Spread Encouragement Like Frosting on a Gingerbread House
This is the season of giving, so give generously... of your words! Write a quick note, send an email, or make a pit stop in the teacher's lounge to acknowledge someoneās hard work. It could be as simple as:
āMrs. Taylor, your creativity in that holiday math activity blew me away!ā
āCoach Pena, your positive energy kept the car line moving faster than Santaās sleigh this morning!ā
āMr. Palmer, I have no idea how you stayed calm while the 4th graders performed Jingle BellsĀ on recorders. Youāre a hero.ā
A little recognition goes a long way. People might forget the chaos of December, but they wonāt forget the leader who made them feel seen and valued.
2. Be the Calm in the Holiday Chaos
The final week before break can feel like herding caffeinated elves, but your steadiness can be the gift your team needs. Walk the halls with an air of calm confidence (even if your brain is screaming, "Please, no more candy cane crafts!").
Practical ways to show up as the calm leader:
Pitch in:Ā Help cover a class so a teacher can catch their breath.
De-escalate:Ā Support a student whoās struggling to self-regulate during the excitement.
Be present:Ā Instead of retreating to your office, be visible and approachable.
Remember, a leader who radiates calm is like a snow globe ā creating a serene scene even when things are swirling inside.
3. Model Gratitude and Joy
In the hustle to finish projects, grade assignments, and survive pajama day, itās easy to overlook whatās going right. Pause to model gratitude for the simple joys of the season:
Celebrate wins:Ā Reflect on how far your team has come since August. Did you launch a new initiative? Strengthen collaboration? Survive picture day? Thatās worth celebrating!
Share your why:Ā Remind your staff why youāre all here ā to make a difference for kids. And no, donāt try this in a meeting where everyoneās munching on cookies. Make it heartfelt and timely.
Laugh a little:Ā Share a funny holiday meme or the most chaotic holiday moment from your career. (āRemember the time the holiday play backdrop fell and revealed that questionable mural? Good times.ā)
Gratitude and joy are contagious ā like glitter. And much like glitter, once you spread it around, itās hard to get rid of.
Wrap It Up with a Bow
Servant leadership isnāt about doing more in an already overwhelming season. Itās about being intentional with small, thoughtful actions that make others feel supported, valued, and inspired. As you wind down the year, take a moment to reflect: What gift can you give your school community that will resonate far into 2025?
And then, when the final bell rings, go home, pour some cocoa, and enjoy the break you so richly deserve. Because leading with heart is hard work ā and youāve earned every moment of rest.
Happy Holidays, Leaders! š
Do you have a favorite servant leadership strategy? Or maybe a hilarious last-week-before-break story? Letās keep the joy going.
Have you considered partnering with a coach to empower you and be a thought partner? As we go into 2025, if youāre ready to invest in yourself or the leaders you support, Iād love to empower you and be that partner!
