Summary: <br> Especially during difficult times, leaders need support from other leaders. <br> <br> <br> <br> Photo by Clay Banks – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@claybanks?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit<br> <br> <br> <br> Each week this past year, I have been hosting virtual one-hour conversations with select groups of school leaders through <a href="https://williamdparker.com/mastermind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Principal Matters Masterminds</a>. Together we have studied books, provided times for self-reflection, and allowed leaders to take turns in “hot-seat” opportunities. The result? I have built new friendships and found new ideas for my own leadership practices. Others tell me that they have a newfound inspiration for their own practices. Together we have a shared sense of unity and collaboration in serving others.<br> <br> <br> <br> Have you ever thought about placing yourself into a setting where others consistently challenge you to grow, encourage you to reach goals, and provide you a confidential setting for feedback and problem solving? <br> <br> <br> <br> Maybe you are already a part of a professional learning community like this. Or perhaps you are already serving on a team that provides this context. If not, a Mastermind may be a possibility to consider as a way to intentionally commit to this kind of personal and professional development.<br> <br> <br> <br> Meet Anthony Fisher<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Anthony Fisher, M.Ed. is the Principal and Chief Academic Officer of Dayton Business Technology High School, a high school dedicated to helping older secondary students with credit recovery, leadership skills, lifelong learning and community stewardship – all within the context of curriculum focused on the business and technology aspects of careers.<br> <br> <br> <br> In this week’s conversation, Anthony talks about lessons he has learned in leading a school for challenged youth who require both meaningful relationships and resilience to meet their goals. He also talks about the power of being in a Principal Matters Mastermind – how it has has played a role in his own leadership and expanded his capacity to more effectively serve his school community.<br> <br> <br> <br> Here are some takeaways from the conversation:<br> <br> <br> <br> WDP: First, can you tell us more about your school and its mission?<br> <br> <br> <br> Anthony: We are a credit-recovery program for youth 16-21 years of age. As a community school, in downtown Dayton, our location places our students into a unique surrounding – they see both the benefits and consequences of life right outside the doors of our school. In a partnership with St. Clair Community College, Montgomery County Career Services, and others, our teachers help students discover how to solve problems and tie all content to five pillars: food, shelter, clothing, health and finance. Our goal of the school is equip students with the ability to manage each of these areas of life with knowledge, skill and community partnership. Then learn how to apply these lessons to the business and technologies of whatever careers they are interested in pursuing.<br> <br> <br> <br> WDP: What prompted you to join a Mastermind?<br> <br> <br> <br> Anthony: A Mastermind is like a panoramic view to leadership. Think what it is like to march in a parade. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Most leaders are marching along in the middle of a “school parade” without really knowing what it looks like from the outside. A Mastermind allows you to identify your work from the outside and find tools for improving your ability on the inside. It is an opportunity to let your hair down, connect with people who are of a like mind,
