Reflection - October 22 class

Being an Activities Director at a high school for the last five years, I feel fortunate to have been privy to many of the processes discussed at Saturday's class.  I am part of the management team of my school and attend weekly administrative cabinet meetings.  I haven't been in charge of writing a staff discriplinary letter, or suspend a student, but I have been able to closely watch these processes.  I know that when I do have to participate in these processes or lead them myself that here are departments and district staff that are there to assist.

One of the most important lessons I've learned and was reiterated on Saturday is to follow the procedures put into place.  There are difficult situations that will arise, but if we follow the procedures, we will put ourselves into a much better position if we are every questioned about the action taken or not taken.  Kevin Torosian talked about how few times expulsion appeals won on his watch.  This is becuase he was a stickler for procedure and followed the policies already in place.

Dr. Hauser's presentation on running effective meetings is an invaluable tool.  It seems that when I do have extra time to work on something I don't always have the energy and vice versa.  It is imperative that we use our timely wisely and run effective meetings.  This is one of the Leadership Connectors and helps build trust with your staff.  They will be reassured that when you call a meeting there is a purpose and the desired outcome will be clearly communicated.  This is a good teaching strategy and definitely transfers to a good management strategy.

Trust

Relationships with co-workers rely on the same principals as personal relationships. Trust is crucial in order for any productivity, teamwork, or goals can be reached. Trust can be difficult to achieve, but very easily lost. it is the role of an effective leader to constantly work at gaining and maintaining trust with a staff. Honesty is one way to foster trust. I look at my current principal and revel is how he has built strong relationships of trust with the staff. He is honest,even when it is difficult and uncomfortable. What I've learned from observing him is that honesty doesn't have to be brutal, but it does have to be respectful. My principal has a great way of being honest without demeaning anyone in the process. People appreciate it and therefore trust him and his decisions.

Continuous Renewal

I appreciated this chapter becuase I think it's one of the hardest things for leaders to accomplish.  How do we have balance in a very demanding profession?  I have a collegue that says that on any given day she is either not a good teacher, not a good mother, or not a good wife.  She can't be all things everyday.  I think part of it is maybe not looking at it on a daily basis, but weekly, or bi-weekly.  In a week, can and have I done everything I can in all aspects of my life.  The interesting part of my collegue's quote is that she left out taking care of herself.

The example of the professor that asks his doctorate students to prioritize family, health and job is not surprising, but a little unsettling that job was often people's first priority.  I agree that health must be number one, but it is easier said than done.  As educators, I think most people who get into this profession do it becuase of their altruistic nature.  They like helping others and making a difference in other's lives.  We must remember to take care of ourselves in order to be of service to others.

This chapter is a good reminder to keep things in perspective, know when a battle is worth fighting, stay organized and find balance between personal and work life.  I think the best thing we can do for our staff is to be a good role model in having balance. 

Ch 4 - Competence

This chapter focuses on the thing that we as teachers are always hoping to instill in our students, lifelong learning.  It is important for administrators to recognize that they don't know everything, but that they are willing to learn.  The staff's we lead will respect the fact that we are continually learning right along with them.  They want us to lead them, but the most effective leaders do it by working alongside their peers and staffs.  Each person on our staff comes with different experience and knowledge.  An effective leader utilizes everyone's strengths and helps each person reach their potential.  There is a balance between appearing competent and over-confident.  Honesty is a sign of competence.  Knowing that you don't know everything is reassuring to others and you can be a role model in how you cope in situations where you don't know the answer.  I think it can be a powerful leadership tool for others to watch how you handle yourself when you are learning, or problem-solving in a way that respects and values others in the process.