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Hall, D. (2008). The Technology Director’s Guide to Leadership. ISTE ISBN 978-1-56484-244-2.
Lange, C., Range, B., & Welsh, K. (2012). Conditions for effective data Use to improve schools: Recommendations for school leaders. International Journal Of Educational Leadership Preparation, 7(3),
Pepper, K. (2010). Effective principles skillfully balance leadership styles to facilitate student success: A focus for the reauthorization of ESEA. Planning & Changing, 41 (1/2), 42-56.
As I watched your video, I re-evaluated myself as a leader. I still believe that I fall within the sensei leader; however, as stated in the comments of my own blog, I do believe that each leader mush wear different hats for particular areas.
You stated at times that you portray certain oracle characteristics, such as being honest and transparent, goal-oriented rather than relationship-based, and firm, fair and consistent. I, too, portray these characteristics...in CERTAIN areas. You quoted Mark 10:42-45 and stated that "self-promoting leadership" is not what the Bible exemplifies, rather that "greatness is achieved on the willingness to work on behalf of others and not looking out for oneself." In our school, to implement Common Core State Standards, our district has brought together unit writers that teachers were, originally, required to implement in our classroom. As the year progressed, our grade level chair continued to push these units, despite the data that showed they were NOT working. I, like you, am very honest and transparent (especially when I am passionate about something -- my STUDENTS!) and can be very goal-oriented rather than focusing on making other members of the "team" happy. After voicing my concern throughout the year and being ignored, at my mid-year review, I expressed my concerns to the principal and was given "permission" to "do what I need to do". I was later told by my grade level chair that I was self-serving because I simply wanted to make myself look good. That was NOT AT ALL what I was going for. My babies needed a true education and it's my job as an educator to make sure they get it. I love my students and I want what is best for them. I tried to share the units of study I was planning with the grade level; however, my ideas were brushed off and I was quickly hushed. So I continued independently. My students made great gains and I was proud of THEM. I made no announcement that this is what "I" did.
Sometimes, as a leader, it is imperative and essential to make difficult decisions. I agree that the sensei leader "embraces the best of the sage and the oracle, while avoiding their pitfalls," as you stated in your comment on my blog.
I loved the introduction and how you jumped right in sharing the type of leader that you are. You noted, although you would like to view yourself as a sensi type leader ( a balanced approach leader), you know that this is not the case. An oracle - with a hint of sage, now as you pointed this out, I can see why. You pointed that your premise to being this type of leader stems from being individually judged which is compounded by deadlines that primarily causes some undue stressors. As I listened to you more, it appears that you have a strong sense of awareness and you have placed much effort in understanding what type of leader you are, now the practical steps of being well-balanced.
Empowered with the practical word of God you shared with views of your blog and practical applications provided by the texts you have shared, do you believe the transition of becoming a more balanced leader will be a rather rapid transition, trial and error type, or a process over time.
I enjoyed your choice of scripture too! We are here to serve. Jesus providing the ultimate example of serving by the shame of the cross to redeem us.
You made great reference to the type of leader you are, awareness for the positives and negatives in many different situations, and an ability to reflect on how things are effected by your leadership. It takes great strength to lead and even more strength to adjust and compromise in group settings. I believe people admire ones who clearly state their objectives, let expectations be known from the beginning, and clearly state the vision and how to get there. During the process, there is room for the mentoring that plays a large role in how things ultimately end up. So when you said that you didn't focus too much in the building of relationships, on the contrary, I believe there are strong relationships that build when there is a mutual understanding, consistent fairness and firm belief in accomplishing those goals. As I collaborate with my peers as we work on our class assignments, I am finding it difficult to determine who the leader is. We have worked very hard at building relationships and working together to see the goal completed. Through conversations and personalities, we've kind of fallen into completing the tasks that we were meant to have and contribute to. That type of collaboration and group work creates the balance every leader should have.
Thanks for your insights and the opportunity to respond. - Laurie Pringle
References:
ReplyDeleteHall, D. (2008). The Technology Director’s Guide to Leadership. ISTE ISBN 978-1-56484-244-2.
Lange, C., Range, B., & Welsh, K. (2012). Conditions for effective data Use to improve schools: Recommendations for school leaders. International Journal Of Educational Leadership Preparation, 7(3),
Pepper, K. (2010). Effective principles skillfully balance leadership styles to facilitate student success: A focus for the reauthorization of ESEA. Planning & Changing, 41 (1/2), 42-56.
Loren,
ReplyDeleteAs I watched your video, I re-evaluated myself as a leader. I still believe that I fall within the sensei leader; however, as stated in the comments of my own blog, I do believe that each leader mush wear different hats for particular areas.
You stated at times that you portray certain oracle characteristics, such as being honest and transparent, goal-oriented rather than relationship-based, and firm, fair and consistent. I, too, portray these characteristics...in CERTAIN areas. You quoted Mark 10:42-45 and stated that "self-promoting leadership" is not what the Bible exemplifies, rather that "greatness is achieved on the willingness to work on behalf of others and not looking out for oneself." In our school, to implement Common Core State Standards, our district has brought together unit writers that teachers were, originally, required to implement in our classroom. As the year progressed, our grade level chair continued to push these units, despite the data that showed they were NOT working. I, like you, am very honest and transparent (especially when I am passionate about something -- my STUDENTS!) and can be very goal-oriented rather than focusing on making other members of the "team" happy. After voicing my concern throughout the year and being ignored, at my mid-year review, I expressed my concerns to the principal and was given "permission" to "do what I need to do". I was later told by my grade level chair that I was self-serving because I simply wanted to make myself look good. That was NOT AT ALL what I was going for. My babies needed a true education and it's my job as an educator to make sure they get it. I love my students and I want what is best for them. I tried to share the units of study I was planning with the grade level; however, my ideas were brushed off and I was quickly hushed. So I continued independently. My students made great gains and I was proud of THEM. I made no announcement that this is what "I" did.
Sometimes, as a leader, it is imperative and essential to make difficult decisions. I agree that the sensei leader "embraces the best of the sage and the oracle, while avoiding their pitfalls," as you stated in your comment on my blog.
Great post! I'm looking forward to more!
Rhonda
Hi Loren,
ReplyDeleteI loved the introduction and how you jumped right in sharing the type of leader that you are. You noted, although you would like to view yourself as a sensi type leader ( a balanced approach leader), you know that this is not the case. An oracle - with a hint of sage, now as you pointed this out, I can see why. You pointed that your premise to being this type of leader stems from being individually judged which is compounded by deadlines that primarily causes some undue stressors. As I listened to you more, it appears that you have a strong sense of awareness and you have placed much effort in understanding what type of leader you are, now the practical steps of being well-balanced.
Empowered with the practical word of God you shared with views of your blog and practical applications provided by the texts you have shared, do you believe the transition of becoming a more balanced leader will be a rather rapid transition, trial and error type, or a process over time.
I enjoyed your choice of scripture too! We are here to serve. Jesus providing the ultimate example of serving by the shame of the cross to redeem us.
Hi Loren,
ReplyDeleteYou made great reference to the type of leader you are, awareness for the positives and negatives in many different situations, and an ability to reflect on how things are effected by your leadership. It takes great strength to lead and even more strength to adjust and compromise in group settings. I believe people admire ones who clearly state their objectives, let expectations be known from the beginning, and clearly state the vision and how to get there. During the process, there is room for the mentoring that plays a large role in how things ultimately end up. So when you said that you didn't focus too much in the building of relationships, on the contrary, I believe there are strong relationships that build when there is a mutual understanding, consistent fairness and firm belief in accomplishing those goals.
As I collaborate with my peers as we work on our class assignments, I am finding it difficult to determine who the leader is. We have worked very hard at building relationships and working together to see the goal completed. Through conversations and personalities, we've kind of fallen into completing the tasks that we were meant to have and contribute to. That type of collaboration and group work creates the balance every leader should have.
Thanks for your insights and the opportunity to respond.
- Laurie Pringle