“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

My 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday was filled with much needed time with family – some VCU basketball, the NFL football playoffs (don’t you dare mention the Raiders didn’t make the playoffs) and the unexpected and unwelcomed arrival of a flu like virus attacking the #WrightFam.

However, I was fortunate that my weekend also included a powerful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders’ Breakfast at Norfolk State University.

Undoubtedly, Dr. King and his leadership development have been on my mind since the end of last week.

As a reflective practitioner, one can’t help but be empowered by Dr. King’s steadfast and fearless focus on making a difference for all. He laid the groundwork for why we must not fear change, deep thinking or the leadership challenge. I’m just in awe of his ability to mold consensus during one of our most contentious times in American history. Not only did his work lay the foundation for a revolution of civil rights, he also modeled the work leaders have to do. I have been compelled to share some of those connections with you.

Consensus molding, as modeled through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and leadership, is a poignant example of the role of the leader and educator. King himself said, “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”

Leaders have to be intentional about the molding process. Just as King used his forethought and fearless influence to literally reach across aisles of culture and barriers of race to focus on his dream, so too do we have to break out of our own comfort zones or areas of influence to make actions come to life. Just “searching for consensus” won’t suffice. Searchers of consensus may have a genuine interest in the answers, but they are not creating the path to making an impact. Molding consensus is the next step to actualizing our goals with those we lead.

Department of School Leadership Elementary Director Sean Walker described this molding process as “deliberate and purposeful actions” to prod and poke during the consensus building process. I cannot agree more.

We have to do what Dr. King did as leaders: take that first step, start the journey. Are we just looking around, searching? Or have we employed his courageous characteristics and started molding consensus?

I talk about “the why” – the reason for our work – in my columns frequently because it plays such a crucial role in every aspect of leadership. It especially does so here. Leaders must keep the end goal in mind while modeling consensus because it dictates your team’s collective work. Keep “the why” in the forefront while modeling consensus. Your team, your building may have disagreements or personal conflicts that could cloud your work together. When you make “the why” the focus of your work, you are already building momentum.

Again, I look at Dr. King, His work in civil rights reform began with his local community in Montgomery, Alabama. There were plenty of obstacles in his way – even among his own supporters. Some thought his non-violent methods were too passive; others thought his protests did too much harm than good. However, all were committed to the mission. Now, look where that work has brought us.

Leaders also must build the capacity of their team members. Since building leaders are often pulled in multiple directions, you need your teammates to be able keep the torch lit – providing the guiding light and rally cry for your work. In 1957, Dr. King was leading the rallying cry in Montgomery, Alabama. He knew his mission demanded more, so, what did he do? He helped bring together ministers and civil rights activists to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This group would help to organize black churches, conduct non-violent protests and give King’s work both a base of operations in the South as well as national movement.

Now, let me share, from my own experience, that while we are taking these steps to mold consensus, leaders must share ownership of the work. They must again and again acknowledge when staff members come together. They need to celebrate the milestones the group has achieved and be purposeful in celebrating how the team’s actions led to the various returns on investment. A leader is an integral part of any work, but molding consensus is a group achievement.

I hope Dr. King’s words and example live on and resonate with you, as educational leaders, especially as we continue our work, molding consensus and making leadership matter. I am confident Dr. King’s ability to mold has had an impact on many, including my 5-year-old Owyn Wright. Check out what he has learned from Dr. King already.

Rashard Wright serves as the Chief Schools Officer in the Department of School Leadership. Wright pens the monthly Leadership Matters column for Kaleidoscope, which you can find posted on the 15th of each month. For more leadership insight, follow Wright on Twitter @VAeducatorRJW or find the hashtag #LeadershipMatters.