Some traits are more important than others. When it comes to education leadership, the capacity to judge situations, and people with fairness is essential because it shows them that they are valued and appreciated. Would you want to work for someone who treats educators with whom they have bonded with favoritism and someone who treats all other educators arbitrarily? No, you want to work with someone who treats everyone fairly and keeps their emotions to themselves when making personnel decisions.

A little history

There are many instances in the history of education leaders who took advantage of the people they were leading; however, things rarely worked out in their favor. The education leaders who are fair to people are the ones who are loved and revered. History is usually not kind to leaders who treated people unfairly. Even if they are revered throughout the ages, sooner or later, someone writes a book that exposes their total character, not just the fictionalized version.

Of all of the skills that can be listed under leadership character, fairness seems to be an easy one to develop. All you have to do is check your misconceptions, relationships, and biases at the door, and make a rational, common-sense decision. On second thought, it may not be as easy as I make it out to be.

My process for being fairminded

Here is how I come to a decision that is fair to all parties. I ask myself a series of questions designed to help me choose the most logical and fair-minded choice. For instance, if two people are up for a promotion, and one is a close associate, I ask myself, who is more qualified for the position? If I can’t be honest with myself, I create a chart that lists the qualifications needed for and the duties included in the new position. Then I place each candidate’s name in a separate column, selecting the person who has the edge in each category.

From there, I tally up the points and make a final decision. If I want a second opinion, I ask someone outside of the organization to look at each candidates’ resume and decide who they believe has the edge in each category. Then I compare our scoring, and if we come to the same conclusion, I go with my choice. If not, I have some soul searching to do before I make my final decision.