When I was a child, I would spend a month with a good friend during the summer. Our days were filled with riding bikes, swimming, and playing ball, but what I loved most was his house being just down the street from the corner store. Each day, we would ride our bikes there, eagerly choosing our candy, chips, and soda for the afternoon. Over time, we developed a rapport with the store owner, who would sometimes ask us for help taking inventory. He needed to ensure that he had enough stock to meet customer demand while avoiding waste on items that weren’t selling.

This simple yet insightful practice from the corner store can be mirrored in our roles as leaders in independent schools. Just as the store owner regularly assessed his inventory, we must also take stock of our own resources. Leading is a complex task that requires self-awareness. Taking inventory involves evaluating what we have—both our values and skills. Our success, and the success of those we lead, hinges on this deep understanding of ourselves.

At the core of our leadership journey are our values—these are the guiding principles that shape our decisions and actions. They serve as our personal compass, helping us navigate the challenges of leadership. Values are forged through our life experiences and serve as a judgment of what is right and wrong.

Many new leaders look to role models for guidance, trying to emulate those who have inspired them. While it’s natural to draw inspiration from others, it’s crucial to remember that their values may not align with your own. Take a moment to reflect: What is truly important to you? As we grow and evolve, our values may shift, influenced by new experiences and insights. Embracing and leading with authenticity brings power and reduces stress—not just for ourselves, but for those we lead. When people understand our operating principles, it fosters an environment of trust and clarity.

Do you know your strengths? Strengths are the talents we refine with knowledge and skills, enabling us to achieve our goals in both our professional and personal lives. Research consistently shows that individuals who recognize and leverage their strengths tend to experience improved motivation, enhanced performance, and greater job satisfaction.

As leaders, it’s essential to build on these strengths. There are various tools and assessments available that can help us identify what we excel at and how we can apply these strengths effectively. By doing so, we not only uplift ourselves but also create a culture where everyone is encouraged to recognize and utilize their unique skills.

In his book From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership, Harry Kraemer, Jr. emphasizes the significance of self-reflection i n our leadership journey. Taking inventory of ourselves ensures that we possess the qualities necessary to meet the demands of our work while maintaining our well-being. When we invest time in self-assessment, we model healthy behavior for those we lead, demonstrating that leadership is not just about guiding others but also about nurturing our own growth.

As leaders in independent schools, we should adopt the practice of regular self-inventory, much like the corner store owner assessing his stock. By understanding our values, recognizing our strengths, and committing to self-reflection, we position ourselves not only for personal success but also to better serve our communities.