The leader in me seeks to build. I like to build relationships and successful models. I like to be efficient and purposeful. It is also important for me to motivate those around me so that they feel success and believe better is possible. As teachers, we are faced with many opportunities to lead. I have been on PLC Leadership committees, as well taught workshops and invited colleagues into my classroom to model strategies. I believe it is important to be transparent and to value others for the professionals they are. For me, leadership means, identifying what works, as well as, what doesn't. It also means being reflective of the challenges in order to provide a sensible solution. Before taking action, I believe it is important to ask for feedback and understand if others see the problem as I do. I feel in order for others to be forthcoming with problems and possible solutions, a leader must be approachable.
Blake and Mouton have identified 5 styles of leadership. Team Management is described as "The leader who emphasizes high concern for both task completion and maintenance of positive interpersonal relationships." (Green pg 21) I relate to this idea most as I cannot separate the importance of both the relationships and the task completion. Setting high expectations and expecting everyone to rise to meet them is too simple an idea for me. After all I have learned about the phases of change in a culture such as a school setting, I know it will be important as a leader to remain close to staff and provide feedback and support often. It also means that if I am not approaching them with genuine support while holding to strong to decisions throughout the change process, I will be ineffective.
My style of leadership definitely includes team building, high expectations, being focused on positive interactions and approaches to success with a common goal and purpose. The idea of collective efficacy is important to me. Waters and Cameron describe collective efficacy as a "shared perception or belief" held by a common group. They further explain that schools who display a high level of efficacy show a greater impact on their student's achievement.(Waters & Cameron pg 51) I feel strongly that without collective efficacy, the result will not be successful. Thus, my leadership style is about building. Building relationships, trust, and efficacy.
Blake and Mouton have identified 5 styles of leadership. Team Management is described as "The leader who emphasizes high concern for both task completion and maintenance of positive interpersonal relationships." (Green pg 21) I relate to this idea most as I cannot separate the importance of both the relationships and the task completion. Setting high expectations and expecting everyone to rise to meet them is too simple an idea for me. After all I have learned about the phases of change in a culture such as a school setting, I know it will be important as a leader to remain close to staff and provide feedback and support often. It also means that if I am not approaching them with genuine support while holding to strong to decisions throughout the change process, I will be ineffective.
My style of leadership definitely includes team building, high expectations, being focused on positive interactions and approaches to success with a common goal and purpose. The idea of collective efficacy is important to me. Waters and Cameron describe collective efficacy as a "shared perception or belief" held by a common group. They further explain that schools who display a high level of efficacy show a greater impact on their student's achievement.(Waters & Cameron pg 51) I feel strongly that without collective efficacy, the result will not be successful. Thus, my leadership style is about building. Building relationships, trust, and efficacy.