Superintendent Recognizes Those "Leading with the Heart" in First-Ever Ceremony SMITHFIELD-- On the eve of Valentine's Day, the Superintendent of Johnston County Schools, Dr. Anthony Parker, took the message of love to a new level. In a special ceremony at the district's Facility Services building at 4 p.m. on Monday, February 13, he recognized 40 staff members who had been nominated and chosen by their school or departmental co-workers as those who lead with their hearts. The first-ever ceremony will become an annual event for the purposes of honoring those who represent the many whose compassionate, courageous, and creative leadership contributes to the organization's excellence. Dr. Parker has for two years led officials in the school system through a number of seminars devoted to understanding, implementing, and enhancing leadership. The participants have read a number of books including (but not limited to) Good to Great by Jim Collins, Monday Morning Leadership by David Cottrell, Gung Ho! by Ken Blanchard, and Leading With the Heart by Mike Krzyzewski. Dr. Parker asked school officials to glean a tactic from Mike Krzyzewski's Leading with the Heart and "search for the heart on [their] team, because the person who has it can bring out the best in everyone else." The recognition was based on the person's talent, trust, and winning attitude with regard to the goals set out by the school and district. The search for the outstanding hearts yielded a group of more than 40 employees who received lapel pins shaped like hearts with Leading with the Heart etched in gold lettering, a copy of the souvenir booklet, and a balloon-filled reception.
