Better Leaders Better Schools guest Paul Vandersteen has been the science department chair at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois for 18 years.  The science department has 29 members, in two different buildings.  Paul has hired them all, along with others that have left to pursue other interests or relocated.  Paul was one of the original staff members when Neuqua Valley opened its doors in 1997.  He was instrumental in developing the climate and culture of the building and is the longest standing member of their instructional leadership team.   He received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from North Central College and his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Science Education at the University of Iowa.  Paul is also the head Men’s Cross Country coach.  His program started with 18 men in 1997 and has grown to as much as 168 members.  His teams have won two Illinois state titles and finished in the top 4 eight times in the last thirteen years.  He is happily married to his wife, Char, and has two children.  His daughter, Samantha, is a junior at the University of Nebraska and his son, Austin, is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School.       In this episode you will learn: Discipline + hardwork + mentorship = leadership Staying calm and collected are the keys to relationship building The power of hiring the right people and how he runs interviews Person-first leadership Why you need to follow through The importance of advocating for your people The power of permission How Paul grew his cross country team from 9 athletes to 168! Learning from the best Why leaders need to make personal connections How to capture and publicize “memorable moments" Leaders absorb pain; they don’t inflict it   Resources   7 Habits of Highly Effective People   The Animal Keepers   Contact Paul     Do you need accountability? Text BETTERMASTERMIND to 33444 Daniel wants to work with you and help you accelerate your leadership development and increase your impact.   Follow Me and Get Behind the Scenes Access on SNAPCHAT!!!   BECOME A PATRON OF THE SHOW FOR AS LITTLE AS $1/MONTH DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW?  iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! SHOW SOME LOVE: PLEASE LEAVE A 5-STAR RATING AND REVIEW Grab your FREE 15 Phrases of Effective School Leaders  Text PHRASES to 33444 or click the link above.   Website :: Facebook :: Insta :: Twitter :: LinkedIn