Leadership, According to Solomon: A Story of One School Leader's Quest for Wisdom

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This book is a story that delineates seven qualities, according to Solomon, that successful, wise leaders possess.Through the stories and admonitions, which rely on real-life experiences and the timeless wisdom of Solomon, Jan Irons Harris is able to offer refreshing encouragement to school administrators who often feel overwhelmed by the weight of their daily burdens.

Reviews

During my career I have had the honor to work with many great teachers and school leaders and they all shared a similar quality, they taught and led with a loving disposition. Jan Harris is one of those leaders, whose conviction to care for all students has been the cornerstone of her work. Leadership According to Solomon is an inspirational tribute and thoughtful reflection of real life educators who have modeled the elements of Wisdom that King Solomon espoused. This wonderful story of love, compassion, conviction and deep belief in the spiritual work of educators is a must read for all educators. -- Mark Edwards, EdD, AASA National Superintendent of the Year 2013, author of Every Child, Every Day (2013) and Thank You For Your Leadership (2016)
Some principles are eternal. They transcend time and space. In this inspiring parable, Jan Harris takes qualities of human greatness from centuries ago and applies them to school leadership in the present. Books usually use fictitious characters. They issue the disclaimer "names have been changed to protect the innocent." This work preserves the names to showcase modern-day points of light. In the chapters, I see names of people I know. In their own words, they illustrate how the "wisdom of Solomon" is as timely now as ever. -- Frank Buck, EdD, author, Get Organized! Time Management for School Leaders
Dr. Jan Harris harvested, from the chapters of her life and the lives of other educational leaders, the characteristics that make a wise leader, based upon the proverbs of King Solomon. From that comes a practical insight that will guide anyone along the path to great leadership. I recognize the qualities gleaned from King Solomon in Proverbs in the way Dr. Harris chose to lead and inspire others. Dr. Harris weaves together a time-honored formula from her experience, research and the wise counsel of others. I invite you to learn, enjoy and pass it forward. -- Brenda Howell, former president and board member, Cullman City Schools
Dr. Harris has written a delightful leadership journey tale based on sound principles from the Bible. She has deftly woven truths from Proverbs into the key tenets of good leadership and, as a colleague of Dr. Harris, I can attest that her own life has reflected the truths about which she has written. Readers will begin to reflect on the value mentors played in their own journeys and they will naturally begin to reflect on key moments in their lives when a word shared or an action taken made all the difference in the paths they took. -- Cindy Elsberry, EdD, education consultant and retired superintendent of schools
I have had the good fortune to serve under Dr. Jan Harriss leadership during her time as Superintendent of Cullman City Schools. This book is a tangible expression of her visionary leadership style; weaving the book of Proverbs into her daily lessons for leadership. Leadership According to Solomon is a thought-provoking book that reads like a novel. It not only inspires good leadership but it is also a delightful page-turner with an intriguing main character, Katy Elle. Dr. Harriss book reflects not only her values of leadership but also her moral compass in the way she lives her life. This book, along with her other book, The Principal's Office: A Primer for Balanced Leadership are wonderful books for aspiring administrators or educators looking to renew their spirit. -- Tricia Culpepper, principal, Cullman City Primary School, Alabama
Dr. Jan Irons Harris is a master storyteller of the modern day parable. Her anecdotes, based on real life experiences and real life people, give leaders encouragement and a road map to more successful experiences. There are many interpretations of leadership, but all these definitions bring us back to one undeniable attribute, a leader is expected to solve problems in such a way that people feel good about the resolution of such problems. Solving problems improves the quality of life for everyone. This enjoyable and very readable book takes us on a journey of one school leaders search for wisdom. This delightful book also serves as a primer for mentors and protgs. Dr. Harris masterfully links her thoughts back to the Wisdom of Solomon. Many advisors make victory sure. We all understand that leadership is a calling and that our inner purpose is the most important aspect of leadership, but we need help to become great leaders. And great leaders have an obligation to help the next generation realize their dreams. If you are an aspiring leader, or a leader who wants to take that next step of responsibility, this book is a must read for you. There are lessons in every chapter, and nuggets of wisdom in every lesson. -- Ray Landers, Educational Consultant/Principal Mentor, 2009 NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year, Superintendent of Education (Retired), Elementary and Middle School Principal (Retired)
For educators who thirst for wisdom, this book offers an unparalleled leadership model based on biblical principles, and best of all, it champions children along the way. -- Denia Reese, superintendent, Catoosa County Public Schools, Georgia

Author Bio

Dr. Jan Irons Harris is a lifelong educator whose mission is to teach others a better way of life through education, love, and by example, using her gifts of teaching and leading. Jan has served as a secondary math teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and superintendent. Currently, she serves as superintendent of Dade County Schools in Trenton, GA.