Lead Anyway

In Lead Anyway: Finding Humor, Grace, and Grit Along the Leadership Journey, a seasoned educator-turned-superintendent offers a heartfelt and practical account of his decades-long experience navigating the highs and lows of educational leadership. Blending personal anecdotes, hard-earned wisdom, and insightful reflections, the book takes readers behind the scenes of the school system-from the classroom to the boardroom. Through pivotal moments of failure, resilience, and self-discovery, he reveals the transformative power of humility, humor, and perseverance in confronting the challenges of leadership.

Dr. Eric J. McFee was a seasoned educational leader with over 35 years of experience driving student success in both Georgia and Florida. He served as Superintendent of Grady County Public Schools, where he led with a strong commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence. Holding a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. McFee guided districts through transformative initiatives-ranging from district-wide literacy rollouts to strategic intervention programs and accreditation processes. His leadership was rooted in research-based strategies, operational expertise, and a deep belief in empowering others through collaboration and clear communication. Fluent in Spanish and actively engaged in professional and community organizations, Dr. McFee was dedicated to developing emerging leaders and ensuring every student had the opportunity to thrive.

Introduction
Humor, Humility, and the Power of a Well-Placed Blunder
From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Milestones That Shaped a Leader
The Scenic Route to Leadership: Lessons Earned, Not Given
Leading 'Anyway': Finding Strength in Simplicity and Storytelling
From Notes to Narrative: The Inspiration of a Journey
Chapter I: "People Are Illogical, Unreasonable, and Self-Centered. Love Them Anyway."
The Power of Forgiveness: Building Resilience Through Leadership
Leadership, Forgiveness, and Resilience in the Face of Anonymity
Leading Through Loss: Forgiveness, Empathy, and the Weight of Change
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Rising Above: Forgiveness as a Leadership Superpower
Chapter II: "If You Do Good, People Will Accuse You of Selfish Ulterior Motives. Do Good Anyway."
Leading with Heart: Embracing Compassionate Leadership
From Hallways to Courtrooms: Celebrating Potential
Through the Window: A Lesson in Empathy and Understanding
Living the Dream: Finding Growth in Everyday Interactions
Cookies, Compassion, and Common Sense
Turtle Behavior: Kindness That Transforms Communities
Conga Lines and Compassion: Navigating Parking Lot Diplomacy with Grace
Kindness as a Cornerstone of Effective Leadership
Chapter III: "If You Are Successful, You Will Win Some Unfaithful Friends and Some Genuine Enemies: Succeed Anyway."
Navigating the Storms of Adult Behavior
Leading Through the Noise
The Headline and the Heat: When You Don't Own What Isn't Yours
The Quiet Strength Behind the Leader: Lessons from Karen
The Resilient Leader: Finding Strength in the Chaos
Chapter IV: "The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway."
When Ego Takes the Stage: A Reminder of What Leadership Is Not
The Cost of Excellence: Leading Through Criticism and Conflict
Wrong Number, Right Lesson: Finding Growth in Everyday Mistakes
Ramps, Red Tape, and Resilience: Lessons in Intergovernmental Leadership
Stowaways and Radio Overload: Mastering Reunification Under Pressure
The Diversionist Dilemma: Navigating Half-Truths and High Emotions
The Long Game: Leading with Integrity Through Challenges
Chapter V: "Honesty and Frankness Make you Vulnerable. Be Honest and Frank Anyway."
Stepping Into the Unknown: A Journey of Growth and New Beginnings
Truth, Politics, and Fallout: Navigating a Leadership Scandal
When the Truth Is Bent, Stand Unbroken
Lies, Bus Stops, and Leadership
Character in Crisis: Staying True to Your Values as a Leader
Chapter VI: "The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway."
The Principal's Office
From Montana to Meaning: A Journey to Understanding Leadership
Fear of Missing Out
Laughing Through the Chaos: Finding Joy in the Everyday
The Compass Within: Leading with Purpose, Strength, and Joy
Chapter VII: "What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
The Art of Creating: Leadership Beyond Pleasing Everyone
The Impossible Task of Pleasing Everyone
The Cost of Leading with Heart
One Election Away: The Fragility of Leadership
Blueprints and Battlefields: Leaving a Legacy That Endures
Chapter VIII: "People Really Need Help but May Attack You if You do Help Them. Help People Anyway."
Lessons in Crisis Leadership
Good Intentions, Unintended Wounds
Closing Doors, Opening Futures: The Emotional Cost of Progress
Dancing on the Edge: Leadership, Compromise, and the Prom
The Hands That Reached Back
Chapter IX: "Give the World the Best You Have, and You'll Get Kicked in the Teeth. Give the World the Best You Have Anyway."
Accountability + Passion: The Hinge Line
Fads, Footwear, and Leadership: Meeting Students Where They Are
Cutting Through the Noise: Setting Expectations
Zero Tolerance to Common Sense: Protecting Students
Between Impulse and Intention: Navigating the Gray Areas
Beyond Approval: The Transformative Power of Doing What's Right
Chapter X: "In the Final Analysis, it is Between You and God. It was Never Between You and Them Anyway."
An Alternate Version
When Vision Meets Resistance: The Hard Truths of Leadership
Integrity in Action: How Leaders Inspire Through Principles, Not Popularity
Refined by Fire: Leadership, Faith, and the Lessons of Adversity
The Journey of Leading Anyway
References
Appendix A: The Alternate Version
Appendix B: Career Timeline