I tweeted earlier today that change can be scary. It can also be exciting. One thing that will never change, though, is change itself. I just got back from a meeting with my students. My colleague and former student Tim is moving to Connecticut after two excellent years of leading them. He and his wife are going to start the next chapter of their lives. Scary and exciting at the same time. Tim cares about his students so much. It was hard saying goodbye.
Also at the meeting was another former student and now colleague of mine, Lance, who will be stepping into Tim’s shoes. Boom – change! My students handled it beautifully. Tim and Lance handled it beautifully. We communicated, we listened, we reflected, we laughed, we cried. I said something about timing and crossing paths with certain people in our lives. I am so proud of my students. I am also proud of Tim and Lance for becoming the people they have become and proud of my students for the people they are becoming.
I learned many lessons tonight about leadership, relationships, and change. Surround yourself with good people. Have a plan for leadership succession. Communicate with those you care about. And celebrate the memories that you all shared together.
