Tribute to James H. Duncan

Principal Byrd High School, Shreveport, Louisiana
1955 to 1970

Article by Herb Rubenstein, PGA

Introduction

As a result of attending a dinner of the Strategic Leadership Network of Washington, DC, where Katherine Elberfeld spoke on the topic of Servant Leadership, I got back in touch with the qualities that made James H. Duncan an exceptional principal of Byrd High School during my years from 1966 to 1970. I wanted to list these qualities not only to express my gratitude to Mr. Duncan but to provide a list of qualities that all leaders should seek to demonstrate in their lives. Since I graduated in 1970, I decided to stop at 70 qualities that he possessed that represent, in my view, the foundations of leadership.

I do not know what training Mr. Duncan received to develop these qualities, but I do know that leaders today would do well to have even half of these qualities under their belt. I think Mr. Duncan came close to demonstrating each of them on a regular basis. His leadership qualities were:

1. High energy, inspirational

2. Directness, yet personable

3. Clarity

4. Used words very carefully, not verbose

5. Presented himself as working for a cause

6. Lived what he preached

7. Set high standards/goals for himself and others

8. Had managerial talent and expertise and the ability to create and express a vision

9. Cared for and was concerned about people

10. Nurturer

11. Creative

12. Had definiteness of purpose; clear about the “why”

13. Always believed he had a “clear shot” at the desired outcome or goal

14. Patient (calm and resolved), yet impatient (had a sense of urgency)

15. Motivator

16. Resourceful

17. Networker and team builder

18. Multi-tasker

19. Coach, more than a manager

20. Enabler of learning

21. Encouraged innovation

22. Encouraged teamwork and hard work

23. Led people more often than managed people

24. Loved to watch students and faculty grow

and develop personally

25. Authentic

26. Inquiring

27. Learning

28. Humble, not arrogant

29. Very smart, maybe brilliant

30. Accepting of each person

31. Courageous

32. Spontaneous

33. Consensus gatherer

34. Appreciated differing points of view (to a point)

35. Made sure “his” success showed up as “your” success

36. Mentor

37. Facilitator of success

38. Thought in terms of models

39. Truthful, High Integrity, Honest

40. Logical

41. Not quick to claim credit for himself

42. Made sure he both heard and “listened to”

43. His main purpose of speaking was enrollment

44. Appreciated humor and knew how to use it

45. Acknowledged strengths of others

46. Valued others’ contributions

47. Exceptional emotional and mental strength

48. Had a plan to achieve his goals

49. Sought out opportunities to lead

50. Willingness to listen

51. Ability to be non-judgmental

52. Was demanding of himself and others and never demeaning

53. Always had a positive attitude

54. Could give a label to an “impossible to define” subject to make it stick (for example, “Byrd High Spirit”)

55. Had a commanding physical presence, aura

56. Could lead people in ‘guided discovery’ to help them lead, perform, excel

57. Saw that he had a duty to guide and lead people

58. Sought to involve many people in the development of processes and creating the action steps that would lead to success

59. Open and available for consultation

60. Talked to people in a way to help them become their “better self”

61. Loved what he did

62. Dedication

63. Person of strong faith

64. Person who knew that “faith trumps fear”

65. Inclusive of others

66. Self-confident

67. Focused on others and their performances

68. “We” oriented, rather than “I” oriented

69. Enthusiastic

70. Great, resonating voice

Conclusion

If you knew Mr. Duncan, you experienced him demonstrating many, if not all of these traits. For those who did not know James H. Duncan, I hope this list gives you some indication of key leadership traits for you to develop and deploy.