Leading With a People First Approach!
We often think that possessing extensive knowledge and expertise is enough to gain respect and have an impact. However, the reality is that people are much more likely to be receptive to what you know if they first sense that you genuinely care about them. Knowledge alone can come across as cold, arrogant, or self-serving if it is not accompanied by warmth, empathy, and good intentions.
When you take the time to listen, put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and express authentic concern for their wellbeing and success, you create an environment of trust. It’s in that space of trust that your knowledge and advice hold real weight and value. People don’t just want to be told what to do; they want to feel understood, supported, and that you have their best interests at heart. Lead first with care and compassion, and your knowledge will be received as the gift it truly is.
Believing in this philosophy, Dr. Santarvis Brown, Graduate Business Chair at Excelsior University, leads with empathy and understanding, creating an environment where students and colleagues alike feel truly valued.
It’s a lesson that has taken Brown 22 years in the field of education to fully grasp. He reflects on his journey, from being an instructor to a program director and now leading Excelsior’s graduate business programs. Each role has contributed to shaping the leader he is today, guided by the core principle of prioritizing people over all else.
Brown’s student-centered approach has allowed him to build meaningful connections throughout his career. While positions provided the foundation, it was the people who truly made the experience worthwhile for him. Brown has maintained strong relationships with many former students, even assisting some in their career advancements and educational pursuits down the line.
There’s no greater reward for Brown than witnessing the success of those he has guided. Encountering former students who still vividly recall the positive impact he had on their lives fills him with immense joy and a sense of fulfillment. For him, a leader’s greatest achievement is when their people know, without a doubt, that they have someone who genuinely cares about their well-being.
As he looks ahead, Brown hopes to inspire the next generation of business leaders to adopt a similar philosophy – one that prioritizes people over metrics and bottom lines. In the business world, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers and percentages, but Brown believes overlooking the human element of any organization is a surefire path to failure.
By taking care of people first, Brown argues, the rest will inevitably follow. It’s an approach that has served him well throughout his career, allowing him to make a lasting impact on countless lives beyond just imparting knowledge. For him, true leadership is about empowering others and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Let us explore his journey:
Transforming Education
As a thought leader in education, Brown takes pride in his role at Excelsior, where he is able to harness his passion for progressive change and innovation to drive meaningful transformations. As the leader of the Graduate Business Department, he is dedicated to nurturing a culture of ingenuity within education.
Although he is based in Albany, New York, like many of his colleagues and all their students, he currently works remotely. Currently, the team is engaged in a comprehensive overhaul of their MBA program, aiming to pioneer a groundbreaking approach to the MBA degree that will revolutionize the way students learn and grow.
A Leader’s Perspective
As a respected figure in the education sector, Brown believes that the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry are funding and regulation. In his opinion, the regulation of education is a highly contentious and politicized issue, with many educators leaving the profession due to the political factors driving these regulations.
One area of regulation that has garnered significant attention is assessment. While Brown supports education accountability, he believes that the current focus on data-driven metrics has led to a diminishing of the transformative impact that teachers can have on students. This shift away from transformative teaching has resulted in many educators seeking alternative methods to achieve their goals.
Funding is another highly politicized issue, as those who control the purse strings hold significant power. He has observed that funding is often removed from areas that are not favored by certain leaders. As educators, it is crucial to find ways to ensure that students are educated holistically and prepared for the world, despite financial constraints and political perceptions. Ultimately, educators must equip students to lead and navigate the complexities of the world ahead.
A Love for People and Profession
In the realm of education, impactful leaders are distinguished by two essential qualities: a profound affection for people and a deep passion for the profession.
According to Brown, a love for people is crucial for effective leadership in education. This sentiment encompasses a desire to see individuals thrive and reach their full potential. Reflecting on his career in education, he notes that many students who are now successful and influential, including a school board chair, celebrities, and even a mayor and fellow preachers/ and pastors, all remember him for never giving up on them.
Furthermore, a love for the profession is vital. As Brown observes, this is not a career pursued solely for financial gain, but rather for the profound impact it has on individuals and society. Those who serve in education must have a genuine love for the profession, as it is often underfunded, undervalued, and underappreciated. Despite these challenges, it is the love for the profession that motivates educators to continue their work, inspiring them to rise each morning with a renewed sense of purpose.
For Brown, the intersectionality of faith, service, education, and vision-driven leadership is not a balance to be achieved, but rather a seamless integration that has become an intrinsic part of his being. Over time, these elements have become intertwined, forming a harmonious whole that is deeply rooted in his identity.
A Leader’s Approach to Education
As a renowned speaker and researcher, Brown maintains his expertise in education leadership by actively engaging with the latest developments in the field. He achieves this by consistently reading and staying updated on the current trends and best practices, ensuring he remains well-versed in the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
For aspiring leaders in education seeking to make a lasting impact, Brown offers the following counsel: find your unique voice, identify your niche, hone your skills, and strive to transform the world. Above all, cultivate a daily mindset of purpose, driven by the intention to make a meaningful difference.
Leadership for Progressive Change in Education
Brown has authored a book on leadership, “Leading While Limping,” which provides valuable insights into the role of leaders in driving innovation and progressive change in education. He firmly believes that leaders must be prepared and inspired to bring about meaningful change in the education sector.
The book offers practical leadership principles that can foster a culture of innovation and progressive change in education. Additionally, Brown has another book scheduled for release this fall, which he expects will contribute significantly to the ongoing leadership discourse in education.
Reimagining Education
Brown envisions a future where the traditional education space undergoes a profound transformation. He believes that the current model needs to be reimagined rather than simply redesigned or redefined. As a key player in this shift, Brown hopes to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of education.
To follow/connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santarvis-brown-ed-d-j-d-0096a853/
