What is a conduit pipe? It is that pipe that transports the electric energy to its destination. To carry the energy, it is right to say that, the conduit takes the mantle to get the energy reach the destination. This is same case with any person given one responsibility or the other to make others reach their destiny. We are all where we are because someone carried us on their shoulders and made us reach our destination. Someone somewhere was a blessing to us having been given such a responsibility. Such was a parallel example to each one of us to also take our mantle and make others reach theirs.
Let us look at the responsibility given to the principal in a school. Everyone looks up to them to hold their hands and destine them towards the right direction: teachers, students, members of the Board of management, worker and any other stakeholder in such an institution. It is also right to say that, the same office that the principal occupies will one day be occupied by one of the juniors who subordinated them.
Not many teachers would want to retire or die before they achieve the status of a principal. This is a prayer to many. Some cling to the hand of the ‘able’ principals to attain such a position regardless of the style or method to use. One obvious consolation is that, such an able principal is given the honour of being a proficient mentor to those promoted through their efforts.
It is obvious that a principal’s position is quite powerful and full of authority, which can either be constructive or destructive. I would rather pray for you, you the principal out there, in that school… Be a blessing to the responsibility and the people that the Lord God has given you! Aspire for the professional growth and maturity to many of your colleagues. Create an amicable environment to make them thrive in this noble calling. Pray the role of a father, a mother or an elder brother or sister to make them comfortable out of love and affection. Remember the agape love that universally accommodates all regardless or geographical jurisdictions, race, religion or cultural appraisals. Create an agape mind and support those under you to climb to the next step or steps. A good recommendation can give the best morale to any of the dependents of your office and signature. Be a good role model to all and make a positive influence to your students. Speak good things about your staff, community and those that surround you. Share their good and bad moments and show concern. Let it speak for itself from them as a sign of humility and commitment.
Organize for all a good capacity building session to energize your team and encourage teamwork and subsidiarity. Teach them through action and transparency about financial literacy. Good meals and desserts could be an advantage to encouragement and fraternity.
Remember as well that, a time comes to hand over the mantle. Just accept it without exchanging the evil hand of corruption to buy your position. How do you regard your deputy? Are you a colleague or foe? Take care dear officer not to mislead and disperse the flock. Let your reign be ever a legacy for the good that accompanied it to many. Let the weak ones find solace in amicable rehabilitation of your Solomonic wisdom. Let those you work with as staff ever come to a mature realization that, teaching and official responsibilities of your headship and their responsibility per se is a Divine calling. Let us pray that this call may be really taken as a noble task and responsibility given to each as a tenant in the Creator’s field. Enjoy your calling.