The most effective leader I’ve worked
with and observed in terms of technology integration is Dr. Denise
Lindstrom. I believe she displays
effective leadership that is based on a firm foundation of modeling the way,
inspiring a shared vision and enabling others to act or participate. Her leadership traits of being honest,
supportive, dependable and imaginative have created a teacher-leader that I admire
and appreciate. Working collaboratively with
Denise over the past four years and observing her shared vision of technology
integration has inspired me as a teacher and graduate student to “get things
done” with enthusiasm and energy. Without
her guidance and support, I’m not sure that I would have enrolled in the Digital
Media program. Her vision for the
Digital Media program showcases her proactive abilities and perceptions of the
ever-changing educational environment and educational reform. She has used her leadership skills to foster
and nourish my abilities and to create collaborative scenarios that promote my teacher
leadership growth in technology integration.
I believe her leadership style lends itself to valuing human resources
and being a skilled communicator and listener.
She values human resources through accepting ideas from others, and
initiating conversations that include all stakeholders. She accomplishes this
by holding on to the technology integration vision while making others feel
valued. Communicating and listening is
directly related to Denise’s ability to articulate technology integration into
our k-12 schools and higher education.
It doesn’t matter if you are having lunch with Denise or attending a
formal meeting, she “wears” her vision and it’s contagious.
My overall score on the leadership skills assessment was a
75, and my strongest skill was “motivating people to deliver the vision”. This skill includes convincing others to
accept the objective and emphasize team-work.
The connection I’m making between
this skill and my teacher leadership abilities would have to be based on what
happens in and out of the classroom. I’ve
witnessed the strong correlation between understanding objectives and teamwork
in the classroom, therefore, this skill spills over to goals when delivering
staff development or other leadership situations. This assessment also indicates the need to “manage
performance effectively”. I believe the
reason this is my weakest area is due to trying to make up for performance
issues personally. Even though a clear
and concise vision may be set, I tend to allow people that do not perform accordingly
to slide. This is mostly likely because
I want things to “turn out right”, so I pick up the slack and do not specifically
encourage people to re-engage and perform effectively.
According to the collaborative leadership self-assessment, I received an excellent score in sharing power
and influence and received an” opportunity for growth” in assessing the environment.
Upon self-reflection, I feel the
strength in sharing power and influence directly relates to my skill in
motivating people to share a common vision.
Once again, collaboration works and providing an environment that
promotes self-efficacy creates a process and an environment for all to feel the
shared vision. In terms of growth, I plan to self-assess my awareness of the
environment in terms of seeking culturally different views of the problem and
using assessment tools to gather information about the needs of the
community.
What kind of leader do you aspire to be?
My leadership aspirations include becoming a
transformational leader. I’d continue
with the firm belief that schools are for student learning, modeling honesty
and dependability, and strengthening my communication and listening
skills. In addition, I would strive to
achieve the skills necessary to handle tasks and human resources
efficiently. Maybe post this statement
on a wall from James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership Challenge, "Leadership is not the private reserve of a
few charismatic men and women. It is the
process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from
themselves and others. When the leader
in everyone is liberated extraordinary things happen".
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