As I come to the close of year 2 in my current position and the end of my Administration/Ed Leadership program...I reflect on the learning. I often wonder, was there learning? I will say, that all of the important lessons did not occur from reading a book nor sitting through a lecture. It happened through the experiences and through the relationships. I have been very fortunate that along both of these journeys, I have been able to connect with many diverse leaders. From district Superintendents to classroom leaders, and everything in between. I make it a point to find the learning in EVERY interaction, in EVERY opportunity. I feel that I have learned a lot, but of course, I am not an official leader, so I am only basing this on my own observations, thoughts, ideas. I can only say that I have followed these in my day to day dealings as the need arises. How will these translate when the rubber hits the road? Time will tell. So...what are my big takeaways on leadership? Here goes... 1) Relationships are number 1! It is important to build strong, authentic relationships built on mutual respect. Be real. 2) Always start with the "why". Change is easier to swallow when people understand the reasoning. 3) Involve the stakeholders in decisions. They are the ones most effected. Seek out, listen and value their input. 4) Leadership is a team effort. An effective leader works alongside others on the journey. 5) Walk the walk. If you want the people in your charge to do something, model that practice...always. 6) Let your actions speak louder than words. Follow through on what you say. 7) Communication is KEY! Find multiple ways to communicate and communicate often. 8) Grow people. Invest in people. Value people. 9) Find your tribe. Surround yourself with like-minded, supportive people. 10) Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Never stop teaching. Always remember your purpose. Bonus: It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Now, will my top 10 change if I ever do move into a leadership position? Probably. Just check out #10. We should constantly be evolving. And sure, this all sounds great as I type it, naive rose colored glasses and all. I know everything changes when you are in the trenches. So, I do not claim to know what the correct formula is, but I do have a place to start...to try...to fail...to correct...to redirect. It is a journey...filled with many more lessons to be learned.
2 Comments
Jenny Goldman
4/30/2016 11:30:22 pm
Interesting to me that you said you are not an "official leader." I couldn't disagree more. First, what is required to be considered a leader? Second, is there any such thing as an official leader?" Third, please refer to the following quote and then go take a peek in the mirror.... Leadership is stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risk to create reward." – Katie Easley, founder, Kate Ryan Design - See more at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/3647-leadership-definition.html#sthash.HTzFaJzQ.dpuf
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5/3/2016 02:10:32 pm
Not an "official leader?" Don't buy into the lie of positional power. Nobody is a leader simply because of a title or job! A leader is a leader because they empower. A 5 year old can be a leader just as fully as the CEO of a fortune 500 company! They empower different things in different ways but they can both lead, or not. You lead because you are a "true leader", you empower people to be better than they are.
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