From Discord to Harmony with John Bell

An Imperfect Leader

Book Update!

Imperfect Leaders! My book, An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is available on Amazon.com. If there is no hyperlink to follow, please go to Amazon.com or peterstiepleman.com. You can order it there.

Intro: Hello Imperfect Leaders! Nearly all leaders craft a narrative to help define their organization, to define the values of that organization, and to establish a compelling purpose. Storytelling is a one way to do that. Story, as my mentor Linda Henke says, "triggers emotions and conections that are seldom accessed in other kinds of language."

Metaphor is another way. Some leaders use the metaphor of a symphony conductor to describe their role – coordinating immensely talented people to perform something complex so beautifully. An umpire is another great metaphor. An umpire creates confidence when they are clear on what is a ball and what is a strike. They maintain integrity of the game and also have a front row seat to the strategy and talent unfolding right before their eyes.

My guest didn’t tell me he had been selected to be one of 16 Little League World Series umpires in 2013. Out of 10,000 people who applied from around the world, and after a 20-year process with many steps along the way, he kept progressing toward the promised land of Williamsport, PA. I was thrilled to learn this, and also not surprised.

John Bell is my guest. We talk about leadership and decision making. We talk about advice for all leaders, and especially those hired to lead a school district in their hometown. John didn't shy away from a professional wild pitch that was thrown at him. Brushed back, he stayed focused on children. Thanks for tuning in!

Bio: John Bell is the superintendent of the Port Jervis School District in Port Jervis, NY. He has been in that role since 2022, but he is not new to Port Jervis. He previously served as assistant superintendent for instruction at Port Jervis from 2006-2012 and returning to Port Jervis, he was superintendent at a neighboring district for 10 years.

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This episode is brought to you, in part, by the Waters Center for Systems Thinking. The Waters Center helps people understand what systems thinking is and how to incorporate the Habits, tools and concepts of systems thinking into their work and life to achieve desired results. To learn more, go to waterscenterst.org.

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An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

www.peterstiepleman.com