As I contemplate the effective leaders that have crossed my path in both education and the real world I realize that I have encountered a variety of leadership styles. There were similar characteristics found in those that were effective and I realize that the one characteristic that I find across the board in effective leadership is passion. I know that this is not necessarilly tangible, but if passion for the project, the goal, the activity is not present even the most technically correct leader will be ineffective.
In 1993 the Mary Conrad Cabin which was owned by the WV Department of Natural Resources was being vandalized. The cabin, which was constructed in 1845 was (and still is) historically significent. The cabin needed a new home. A local (Lewis County) historian became involved, Joy Gilchrist procured a promise from WVU Jackson's Mill that the cabin could be relocated there IF the funds for moving the cabin could be raised, and IF "someone" would construct restrooms in the historic area of the complex. It took almost two years, but under the effective leadership of Joy Gilchrist a group of community volunteers, local and state organizations, came together raised the necessary funds to move the cabin and built the Mountain State Building. The Mountain State Building at Jackson's Mill overlooks the mill pond for Blaker's Mill. The log cabin structure is 20'x40' and provides full restrooms (including showers) as well as community use space.
It was the demonstration of strong interpersonal, communication, and hard work that Joy was able to organize and motivate the more than 200 volunteers to make this project happen. The organization of a dozen spaghetti suppers, various raffles, yardsales and hands on work days. The cabin structure was donated, the various internal components were all either donated, or paid for with monies raised by the organization. There was the procurement of some minor grants for the project, however the majority of the project was funded by the hardwork and passion of the Friends of Mary Conrad Cabin.
Every time I walk onto the porch of the Mountain State building I pause and reflect upon the people who made it happen and I feel a certain amount of pride in the building. I did not directly participate in the project, I was living in Ohio at the time. But my family sacrificed none-the-less because when my mother decided that something needed to happen, nothing would stand in her way. I visited Jackson's Mill this past fall with my young grandson and I showed him the plaque that thanks his Great Grandparents, Joy & Charles Gilchrist, and a host of others for their hours of work and tens of thousands of dollars that made the project happen.
It is difficult to assess the leadership skills of my mother, in someways I am far more judgmental of her that I am of others. I see many strengths and characteristics in her that others see in me so therefore I am critical of her willingness to take on too many responsibilities and spread her time and resources too thin. However, I know that she has accomplished more in the last 30 years for the preservation of heritage and culture in central WV than I will ever accomplish in a lifetime. The Mary Conrad Cabin project was only one of many such projects that she has undertaken. I have often thought that if I can be half the leader and motivator that she is then I will have accomplished something.
My mother has been a leader in technology integration since the early 1990s. The first computer that we purchased was in 1990, it did not have a hard drive. By 1992 she was teaching herself HTML and creating webpages and promoting the culture and history of the area through the 'world wide web." It was a different world back then, many cultural and historical organizations have learned from her in establishing and maintaining their web presence. She has studied various new technologies releveant to her field and helped integrate them in various settings. Today, in her mid 70s she continues to be the webmaster for Hackers Creek Pioneer Descendants, an organization she co-founded more than 30 years ago.
Looking at leaders in education that I have crossed paths with a see many similarities, but also something more. Not being deeply immersed in an educational community at present I have limited experience to draw from. In my day to day work experience I am continually impressed with the ability of Dr. Judy Byers to get things done. She exhibits many characteristics of an effective leader and I feel fortunate to work with and learn from her.
No comments:
Post a Comment