12.10.10
Posted in Youth Development at 1:40 pm by HigherGroundConsulting
Last night I had the privilege of attending the West Sacramento’s Washington Unified School District’s School Board meeting. I was there in support of West Sacramento’s Sactown Heroes, a part of the West Sacramento Youth Resource Coalition that has been funded by the Sierra Health Foundation REACH youth programs initiative. These amazing young people were there at the culmination of a year-long organizing endeavor where they were working to increase youth voice on the school board by changing the making the student board members voting privileges from an advisory one to an official voting member of the board. Students had studied the issues, researched other school districts that had a similar structure to what they desired and spoke on their own behalf. It was truly an honor to be a part of this night.
As school board members discussed the issue following the student’s comments, some thoughts came to my mind:
1. Don’t be dismissive of youth because you believe they are “young and impressionable”. The idea that because these individuals are young, their opinions can be swayed by adults is simply not valid. If you just take a look at our political system, you can see that adults are just as likely to be swayed in their opinions as young people. I would further venture to say that it has been my experience that when you have a young person who is deeply committed to an issue, you are less likely to see them swayed by anyone. A young person can provide a fresh, untainted voice that at times can be refreshingly raw and unedited.
2. Set high standards and let youth live up to them. If someone is currently sitting in the Student Board Member position and has been given clear expectations around attendance and job functions, hold them accountable to it, if he/she still fails to meet expectations, replace them with someone who can and will meet those expectations. If no clear expectations have been given, then make them and work hard alongside of the young person to mentor and coach them to success.
3. Another concern that was raised was having a high school student speaking on behalf of all the students (K-12). This concern seems unwarranted to me as I am fairly confident that each board member doesn’t have children representing each grade level. This student board member would have exactly the same challenges in making sure he/she is representing her constituents as the regular board members.
As the discussion continued, other concerns were raised as well around the ability of a young person to meet the workload, etc. The idea was raised by one of the board members about mentoring the young person who would be in this role (which is an EXCELLENT idea!). Finally the board president made a comment about not seeing this kind of system in place before and would want to do “research” of other places that are doing this already. It has always been my belief that the school board should be LEADING the way in what is best for our youth and not FOLLOWING others who have paved the way already. My challenge to the board is to BE ORIGINAL and LEAD. Do what is best for the youth of West Sacramento by giving them a voice that counts and not one that can easily be dismissed and patronized as many did last night.
To my young friends who took a stand and raised their voices to be ACTIVE and ENGAGED in their community, THANK YOU and continue to work at it. A mentor once wrote his young apprentice these words which I hope encourage and inspire you to continue to be change agents in your community:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example
for others in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Keep it up and thank you for the honor of being in your presence, there are many adults who DO know your power and potential and will continue to support you.
For those of you reading this rant, please show your support for the West Sacramento Youth Resource Coalition by visiting their website and emailing them messages of encouragement and support at www.westsacyouth.org
Most sincerely,
Scott Mautte
Youth Development Advocate
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09.20.09
Posted in General Leadership, Leadership Principles through Parenting at 4:50 pm by HigherGroundConsulting
In their book, The Blessing, Gary Smalley & John Trent talk about the importance of using words of high value to bless someone. They talk about “value” as “attaching great importance to it” (p.67) and that “anytime we bless someone, we are attaching high value to him or her.”
Today is my youngest daughter’s 4th birthday and as has been a custom for me since the reading of the above mentioned book, I have been pronouncing a blessing each year on my daughters on their birthday. The focus of my blessings are on qualities or characteristics that I have seen them exhibit over the previous year. This quality may not always show itself in a positive way all the time but I do focus on the positive aspect of it. For instance, for Kylie’s 3rd birthday, I pronounced on her the blessing of her “deep convictions” which she sticks to fervently and with much passion. The way that this “deep conviction” has expressed itself has been both in positive and negative ways (after all our greatest strengths are also usually our greatest weaknesses). In Kylie’s case, the growing side of her strength is her strong-willed personality which can go to bat with the greatest of them, the positive side of her strength is her desire to stand firm in her beliefs (a quality that I hope she keeps throughout her life).
As we think about the people we lead, think about their areas of strength, reflect on their unique contributions and focus on their impact. Instead of a quick word of praise to them like “good job!”, bless them by sharing a specific way that their presence has made a difference. It will add value to their contribution, your organization and the depth of your relationship.
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08.20.09
Posted in Leadership Principles through Parenting at 10:57 pm by HigherGroundConsulting
This past Monday my oldest daughter Jenna started 1st grade–the drama bigger than any soap opera! Stomach in knots, she couldn’t eat breakfast, complete fear had gripped my dear daughter. Fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, fear of being alone, fear of something new, different and unpredictable.
Well as a father my heart was breaking and my wife was doing all that was possible just to try and get her clothes on her. Up against the clock and filled with compassion, I began to break down the situation and help her look at it one day at a time.
“Jenna, honey, let’s not worry about the classroom, lets just get dressed…and so on”. Eventually we were on our way walking to the school and things seemed ok until we were right outside the classroom. Heals dug in and little arms clinging to my large thighs with the strength of deeply rooted tree–she was not going to budge. Thankful after a few minutes, Jenna’s new teacher came over and tore her off of me. I left with a crushed heart as I heard her screaming at the top of her lungs, “Daddy, don’t leave me”.
After work I came home wondering how the day had gone and was immediately ambushed at the door with “Daddy, I love first grade! I love first grade.” Thanks to an empathetic teacher, a little green froggy (I’ll save that for another post), and the company of some “old” friends from Kindergarden, Jenna had a great experience. We celebrated that night with daddy cooking her meal of choice.
Some might consider this recent experience as a tragic tale of leadership but let me explain the things that I took away from it that have helped me become a better leader.
1. Being compassionate and empathetic gives you a perspective that can help you move people in a healthy direction. Now, I am not one for having much patience for people’s excuses but it is important that I understand the life circumstances of those I am to lead. If I understand where they are, I have a greater chance of being able to speak to them in a way that they will hear and respond to.
2. When someone is overwhelmed looking at the big picture, break it down with them into manageable pieces. Jenna was paralyzed by the magnitude of EVERYTHING that she perceived and feared about being a first grader. Helping her focus on one thing at a time was key into helping her succeed.
3. Don’t be afraid to get some other expertise to help. I work as a Youth Development Specialist and Trainer but most of my professional experience has been with working with Middle School and High School age youth. As a matter of fact Jenna is the vast amount of my experience with a 6 year old. So when we got into her classroom, I enrolled the assistance of the real professional for 6 year olds, her teacher (Jenna’s 1st grade teacher rocks!!!).
4. Celebrate success. It is important to make a big deal about success. When the people we lead try something new, overcome some fear or obstacle or “get caught doing something good”, it is important to celebrate their success with the team. I guarentee that they will be repeat offenders 
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08.19.09
Posted in Leadership Principles through Parenting at 10:05 pm by HigherGroundConsulting
I have to admit that being a father is one of the greatest tests of leadership. I am starting this blog as an attempt to document the leadership lessons I learn through parenting. After all, isn’t the whole point of both leadership development and parenting to pour your life into someone and help them move from dependence to self-sufficiency?
Just a little bit about me and my role as a father. I am currently 39 years old and the father of two beautiful daughters, Jenna Rose (6) and Kylie Ann (3 and soon to be 4). As with any child each is completely unique and beautiful in their own right. Let me try and paint a brief picture of each of them for you.
Jenna is a dreamer who thinks of princesses and kingdoms and loves horses and butterflies. She dances around the house and is singing all the time. She has her mother’s beauty both inside and out with a very dear and fragile heart. To Jenna, time with her is the most important thing, she wants to be noticed and delighted in.
Kylie on the other hand is a soon-to-be 4 year old wishing she were 16. She is a girl of deep conviction (a.k.a. stubborn) and will stand firm for what she desires. She is a warrior, she has a clear objective and will almost stop at nothing to accomplish it. She is both beautiful and strong and desires to have her independence supported.
These two gifts in my life have been both a blessing to watch grow and have challenged me to grow as a leader in all areas of my life. I hope that these real life stories are both heart-warming to you as a reader and inspiring to you as a leader. I look forward to reading your commments, additions and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Scott Mautte
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07.19.09
Posted in General Leadership at 12:26 pm by HigherGroundConsulting
What does it take to create a team of people that don’t just perform well but create cultural transformation? Higher Ground Consulting would love to get your imput and discussion on this critical issue. Are great teams made? If so, how? What are some of the key indicators of a team that is working towards transformational results?
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Posted in General Leadership at 11:27 am by HigherGroundConsulting
Hello everyone, this is Scott from Higher Ground Consulting and I wanted to welcome you to our new blog about challenges, insights and successes in your personal journey as a leader. The goal of this blog is to create a learning community of leaders to strengthen and challenge each other around the issues we face day in and day out.
For more information about Higher Ground Consulting, visit us on the web at www.highergroundconsulting.net.
I look forward to getting to know all of you.
Sincerely,
Scott Mautte
Higher Ground Consulting
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