You're Not Prepared to Do Your Job Until You are Prepared to Lose Your Job

Dr. Harry Boyd was rather reserved as he entered the graduate class in the Department of Educational Administration at (then) Memphis State University. He looked the part of a college professor. He had a pot belly with graying hair and would smoke a pipe during breaks.  His glasses were low on the bridge of his nose. He was one of the best advanced graduate instructors that I ever experienced. This was at the time I was working on my advanced endorsements while serving as principal of Adamsville High School.

He was a master teacher in the skill of administration simulation.  Each student was required to work through a sample packet of letters, requests, financial records, and other important documents that a lead educator has to deal with on a daily basis. We students had to read the related material and then write our responses to them. This was such a practical, higher-level learning approach.

It was to be Dr. Boyd's last class to teach before retiring. He was an outstanding college professor. I valued my time in the class. But what he taught during the breaks was even more insightful. One of the things he told some of us was: "You are not prepared to do you job until you are prepared to lose your job." That sounded strange to us and we began to question what he meant. He said, "There are things that you are expected to do when you work for others, but there may come a time when you must refuse to carry out the request or command." He continued, "You must refuse to follow directives that are illegal, immoral, or unethical, even if it costs you your job." Wow, what an insight! Even though he did not elaborate, I wondered if he might have encountered a situation that cost him his job.

That piece of wisdom has served me well for forty-three years of education. It boils down to integrity. You cannot be a leader of others if you are immoral, unethical, or practice illegal activities. If called to practice these qualities, then you must refuse, even if it might cost you a job. Thanks to Dr. Harry Boyd for that great piece of wisdom which is so practical even and especially today. 

 Remember, I believe we are all leaders regardless of our position.