Have you ever been told that you are over protective of someone or that you are simply protective period? Do you feel there is something wrong with that? What is the difference, if any, between protection and support? Well this is a topic I feel strongly about simply because of who I am as a person.

We can look at this from multiple perspectives including from a personal point of view, as well as a professional point of view. As a mother I am protective of my son. I do not see that as being anything negative. I support him as a mother should. Being protective does not mean that I uphold him in any wrong doings. I feel that it is my place to both protect him and support him. As parents we often try to shield certain things. I feel the same way about my parents, siblings, and other relatives. We all want to keep harm or pain from our family and if we are in a position to do so, then that is what we do. Let’s take this to another level and discuss this topic on a professional level.

I have been an educator for almost 20 years and regardless of the position I held, it was my responsibility to protect and support. As a teacher, my students were very important to me and therefore it was my job to protect them as well as support them. As an athletics coach, I did the same for my players. I have many great memories of doing so. As a school administrator, it was about the students, teachers, and staff and you can bet money I was a supporter and protector of them too. I have always been taught to be a true leader in all that I do.

I read a quote that said a “true leader often leads from behind and lets the followers be in the front when all is well. The same leader, when in adversity, will take the front line to protect and defend his/her followers. For a true leader, the leadership is not about growing herself/himself, but it’s all about developing one’s followers beyond their limitations and above their normal capabilities.” I do not brag or boast about anything I have accomplished because I know it was because of the support of others that I have succeeded. Even as I have transitioned in my career, I am still protective and supportive of those I have had the pleasure of serving and leading. Do not underestimate one’s protection and/or support just as you should not take one’s kindness for weakness. Continue to protect and support and continue to lead and follow. #LEADNOTCONTROL #PROTECT #SUPPORT