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.