b'of gratitude. Getting to share thesewere in attendance for us to get to moments with colleagues, who areknow, and share stories about our kids, more like friends and family at thisgrandkids, big plans and small sorrows point, means everything. We celebratewith each other. each others victories and offerLeavenworth is a beautiful little town support and words of encouragementwith hidden treasures that many of to help get through the tough times.us found that evening as we explored Self-awareness leads to the local establishments. We were self-leadership able to build on what we learned and This years featured speakerdiscuss how we could take those ideas Mark Noon, USAF (Ret.), sharedand implement them into our schools. his experience from the Air Force,Of course, we gave each other a hard starting as a Sergeant before earningtime, learned more about new friends, his commission and leading theand wondered if we could all make a people he once worked beside. As weliving in Leavenworth.started our Leadership 2025 journeyBuilding our purposewith Mark, many could relate to hisOur next morning started off with leadership journey.a breakfast spread that is hard to motivate people to want something In our line of work, it is easy to feelthey didnt even know they wanted.beat. I know I will be working off overwhelmed with responsibility andthe extra calories for weeks. Mark the effort it takes to do our job daily,These wise words set the tone forspent our morning teaching us the sometimes getting lost in the process.the rest of our time together. value of communication, building Mark reminded us that we need toMark taught us that self-awarenessour purpose, and the importance of learn to take care of ourselves beforeleads to self-leadership, which givesdelegation so we can be the leaders we can truly lead others.us the ability to guide and lead others.our staff need us to be, instead of You have to be selfish before youHe gave us tools to lead peoplejust completing the work ourselves. can be selfless, he said. We need tothrough change, provide staff withOne thing Mark emphasized, Be the value ourselves and our worth so thatthe information and feedback neededleader that creates a culture that is so we are in a position to see the value,to process the change, and help ouramazing your people will enforce it and cultivate it in others.team move forward with an attitudeand keep it going. of trust and willingness to facilitate Mark said something that reallychange through open communication,As we got ready to leave that stuck with me and that I believe ishonest feedback and accountability.day we were filled with hope and something we can all relate to: OneMark emphasized the importanceoptimism for our future. We were of the hardest things for leaders is toof humility and gratefulness whengiven great tools to take back and communicating with staff, whichmake ourselves, and our teams, allows us to build trust, ask greatbetter. We spoke about seeing each questions, and build a culture that willother at our regional meetings or at make our schools an amazing placethe latest, our annual fall conference, to work.for another chance to learn, grow, and The importance of fellowship reconnect with the people that make Our evening was once again filledus better. with opportunities for fellowship asIf we missed you this year at we shared a fabulous meal providedLeadership 2025, we hope to see you by Enzian Inn and our fantastic Ednext year, or at our fall conference in partners. We discussed how wellOctober. Thank you all for taking the Gonzaga played and how poorly ourtime to attend this year. I know it is one brackets were doing. Thursday nightof my favorite events of the year and I was especially fun, as many spouseslook forward to seeing you all soon. WAMOA JOURNALSPRING 2025 25'