Great leaders often face the tension of running large organizations while still keeping things personal. It’s easy to get lost in numbers, structures, and goals, but the real challenge is staying connected—to employees, to culture, and to the people who make the mission thrive.
In this Extra Credit edition of Clearly Christian, Dr. Cy Smith and producer Bryan Lefelhoc revisit key chalkboard points from their conversation with Darren Long, Superintendent of the Christian Academy School System in Louisville, Kentucky. They dig deeper into what it means to “act smaller even as you get bigger,” and why intentional leadership matters in both education and business.
Dr. Smith highlights the dangers of blind spots, the importance of listening to feedback, and the need for leaders to foster a culture where people feel safe to speak honestly. From Monday morning meetings with staff to surveys and social media connections, he shares practical ways schools—and any organization—can stay connected at every level.
Takeaways
-Leaders must “act smaller” even as organizations grow.
-Blind spots are dangerous. Feedback must be welcomed and sought out.
-Both face-to-face and electronic communication are vital for today’s parents and staff.
-Culture determines whether feedback is honest or filtered.
-Consistent personal touchpoints build trust with employees.
-Strategic plans are only effective if accountability is clear.
-Goal-setting works best when it’s collaborative and measurable.
-Consequences for unmet goals should never come as a surprise.
-Business and education leaders alike can learn from these principles.
Chapters
00:42 – Acting Smaller While Growing Bigger
02:48 – Blind Spots and the Value of Feedback
09:19 – Staying Personal in Large Organizations
12:56 – Accountability, Goals, and Consequences
15:37– Final Reflections and Call to Action
Helpful Links:
Darin Long, Christian Academy School System: https://caschools.us/
Dr. Cy Smith, Mansfield Christian School: https://www.mcsflames.org/
