It was Field Day 2005 and I was just trying to be helpful. I arrived at the field early and asked Mrs. Ankney if there was anything that I could do.

She asked me to use the manual line painter and paint the finish line for the 50 yard dash and the 100 yard dash. She had already set up the cones, I just needed to walk in a straight line, from cone to cone, and squeeze the handle on the line painter.

So, I painted the 50 yard dash finish line. I walked slowly and looked ahead of me and behind me and kept checking the line as I walked. When I got to the other cone, I expected to turn around and see a line that looked like something that you would see inside of an Olympic stadium.

What I saw was the most crooked, wavy line that I had ever seen and I also saw Mrs. Ankney doubled over with laughter.

“You’re doing it wrong!”, she said. “Apparently.”, I said. Before I tried again at the 100 yard cones, she told me the secret to painting a straight line. Mrs. Ankney said, “While you are walking, don’t look down. Pick a tree off in the distance and stare at it. Don’t take your eyes off of that tree and just walk and squeeze the handle.” The result? I painted one of the straightest lines I’d ever seen…

Sometimes we run our schools like the line I painted for the 50 yard dash. Eyes down, head on a swivel, putting out fires, giving attention to what is "latest and loudest" and 6 inches in front of our face. I get it. I led that way for years

But, what our school actually needs is someone who is also looking at the horizon. The leader needs to see things farther away and sooner than everyone else. Unfortunately, the tyranny of the urgent makes this feel impossible.

On today’s episode of The Private School Leader Podcast, we are going to answer the following question: Are You Running Your School Or Leading Your School?

Thank you for taking me along with you when you are walking the dog, driving to school or running errands. I appreciate you and what you are doing for the lucky kids and teachers at your school. Thanks so much for listening and thanks for making a difference!

Mark Minkus

PS. What's the name of the parent that is living "rent-free" in your head right now? I spent most of my career feeling anxious, overwhelmed and stressed out about the parents at my school. That's why I created Parent Academy! I want to give you your step-by-step framework for building better partnerships with the parents at your school while reducing your stress and anxiety. CLICK HERE to learn how Parent Academy can change your school and change your life!

PPS. Speaking of parents, I want to give you a free gift called 5 Strategies To Help You Work With Difficult Parents. This pdf will give you the tools that you need to build better relationships and have better meetings with the difficult parents at your school. CLICK HERE to grab your free guide!