Competence

I just loved the quote form General John Pershing, “A competent leader can get efficient services from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best troops.”  Wow, that’s a powerful statement but it’s so true.  I enjoyed reading Oscar’s story of trying to incorporate technology in the business but never owned a computer of his own.  Oscar knew competence isn’t always knowing everything, but being able to 1) listen, observe, reflect, and analyze, 2) Find a reliable, knowledgeable person to teach you what you don’t know, 3) Expect to make mistakes and understand that they clarify the next steps to take, 4) Embrace the changes that could improve performance and increase company success, even if it meant giving up the way he had always done if before, and 5) Take the extra time and do the hard work it would take to develop his skills.    People respect leaders more if they admit they don’t have ALL the answers but are willing to look “in to it” or learn by going to different resources.    It is important however leaders not to copout by using “I don’t know” and walking away from the sticky situation.   Clarify what you need to know and gathering relevant information. Use this information to make sound decisions then taking the appropriate action.  Once complete…..move to the next challenge and you will be more prepared to handle it. 

Leadership Connector, Safety

When reflecting upon leadership connector “Safety,” it’s important because we all need to feel physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe at school, home, or workplace.   Only when we feel safe and comfortable we can then shift our energy form basic survival needs to complex thinking and reflecting.  If teachers’ are constantly getting belittled by administration in front of the entire staff for their ideas then emotionally they will learn it’s not “safe” to voice an idea or opinion.  It’s also very important to make sure our students feel school is a “Safe” place to learn and use their energy on learning rather than avoiding the school “bully”.  In education, we must be vigilant, caring, and helping everyone have a sense of belonging (staff and students).  The schools must work hard to make sure community, staff, and students understand school is a “Safe” place to learn.    I also found it interesting how “Bullies” are more than the mean kid on the playground.  Bullies can be anyone-your superior, you, or those you supervise.    Irene :)

Ch. 2 Support

Everyone wants a happy and productive work environment but it’s very difficult to achieve without communication or administration support.  It is important to remember support comes in many shapes and forms such as financial $$$$, material, physical, emotional, human and moral.  It is important for administration to show support for their teachers because it shows they care and value their staff (I’m not talking $$$ but it would be nice to get an extra bonus for my hard work J).  Support can be buying needed materials for a science lab for students to be successful in a class or giving a teacher a “congratulations” for working hard with their students.  Teachers sometimes feel underappreciated and little support from administration can make a big impact on teachers’ success.    As a future administrator, there are several things I need to remember to help my staff feel supported.  One thing I can do is investigate and make a list of needs at the school site to help make teachers and students more successful.  Secondly, a big one………TALK to teachers and visit classrooms and let teachers know you are there to support them in becoming a better instructor.  Thirdly, make teachers feel they are valued and cared for by acknowledging their hard work and success with student achievement. 

Ch. 1 Communication Reflection

I totally agree good communication is a key leadership connector.  Without communication all other connectors have no chance to flourish.   Communication includes oral, written, and nonverbal.  As a leader, it is important to be consistent across all channels of communication such as spoken words, written words, and actions.  A leader will lose reliability if his words say one thing but his actions say the opposite.   It is also important for leaders to choose their words wisely and “Frame It”.  By choosing our words or language allows us to adjust the spin on a situation.  It important to remember, it’s HOW you say it.  We can change a situation into a positive outcome; transmit hope, despair, or opportunity.  Another important issue to consider is if writing isn’t your strongest area then proofread is extremely important.  Especially, when sending written messages to parents, community, or staff.  You wouldn’t want to be the dumb principal who can’t spell or write.   I totally agree a strong leader can’t be effective without good communication and many school issues would be solved among staff if there were better communication and teachers felt appreciated and valued. 

First day of class-EAD 269

I really enjoyed watching the Daniel Pink video about motivational techniques (the drawings were pretty cool).   As a future leader, it is extremely important to know what motivates teachers and staff to produce "best work".   I also believe it’s important to be supportive to staff and give them opportunities to think outside of the box and be creative.  In education, we need to sometimes change the way we are doing things when students are failing and try new strategies.   Why do we keep doing the same thing if it doesn’t work?  Allowing staff to collaborate and be innovative in ways that will help ALL students learn.  By giving staff an opportunity to brainstorm with peers gives them a sense of worth and purpose and that their ideas are important.   Our first face to face class meeting in EAD 269 went well.  A little overwhelmed by all the assignments but I'll be fine.  I thought is was great to see other individuals from different school districts and we can learn from each other.