Career Lesson From a Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County
Natale, a principal with 14 years in education, emphasizes the crucial lesson that "they won't care what you know until they know that you care," highlighting the importance of relationship-building over positional power in leading both students and adults. This approach, moving "from transaction into relation," ensures greater receptiveness and implementation of ideas.
Leadership, Education, Relationship Building, Communication, Building Trust
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Natale Mejia
Principal
The SEED School of Los Angeles County
UCLA Class 2010
The Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2013, MsEd. in Urban Education; USC, Class of 2020, Ed.D in Educational Leadership
Ethnic & Related Studies
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Building relationships is key to effective leadership. People are more likely to listen and follow when they trust and respect you.
2. Leading from a place of relation, not just position, creates a more collaborative and effective environment.
3. Demonstrating care and concern for others is more important than simply possessing knowledge and skills
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
That takes me back so many years. I know I look young, but I've been in education for almost 13, maybe 14 years now. It might feel longer just because of the work I do.
If I had to pick one lesson I've learned, it's one that's stayed with me since day one: "They won't care what you know until they know that you care."
I think this applies to both students and adults. You may have a lot of knowledge and skills to offer, but if they don't trust you, it doesn't matter how much information you have. You'll be leading from a place of positional power.
What I've learned in this work is that people want to move away from transactions and toward relationships. So, when I lead, I try to do so from that place. I might have all the right answers or solutions, but no one will really care or implement them if I'm not building a relationship with them.
They have to know that you care before they care what you know.