"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an evironment where excellence is expected." ~Steve Jobs
Through my experiences in life, I have come to appreciate a combination of leadership qualities. Hall (2008) describes three types of leaders in this week's reading and really had to stop and think about what kind of leader I appreciate and what kind of leader I am. As I stated before, I appreciate a combination of the sage and oracle leaderships (Hall, 2008). I have worked for all three types at different times of my life; however, our assistant principal (who was more of a leader when the "oracle" leader was in place) was a great mix, bringing that "sensei" balance (Hall, 2008, p. 13).
I currently work for a sage-type leader. She follows policy by the book and once she makes a decision, the conversation is over. In the past, I worked for an oracle leader who was extremely wishy-washy in her decisions; EVERYTHING was up for discussion and as soon as you thought the discussion had reached a decision, a whole new round would open up. It was a VERY frustrating time, professionally. I appreciate the sensei approach because I want to be coached rather than TOLD how to do something. I want to be involved in my learning process, but not micro-managed.
In my classroom, I feel as though I am a sensei leader. I facilitate my students' learning, rather than handing it to them on a silver platter. Experience is often a better teacher than anything else, so I offer them opportunities within the class to practice hands-on learning and engage in meaningful conversations on given topics. While I understand that I am ultimately "in charge," my students know that they have a certain level of leadership in our classroom. As they exert their own leadership skills in various forms and fashions, I enjoy seeing them succeed.
Technological leadership seems to somewhat, dare I say, demand a sage leadership. There must be clear definitions of what technology integration consists of and what the expectations of its uses are. Unfortunately, because there has been such a technological "boom" in recent years, many teachers refuse to move forward with time, causing their students to lack the 21st century skills they are expected to learn. Those of us who strive to be technological leaders within our school, must motivate those who refuse to embrace the adventure so that all students receive equal opportunities, involving instruction on individual needs (Picciano, 2011).
The Bible says "[d]o nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4, New International Version). John Quincy Adams said "[i]f your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." This is the kind of leader I want to be!
References:
Hall, D. (2008). The technology director's guide to leadership:
The power of great questions. Eugene, OR: International Society
for Technology in Education.
Picciano, A. G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for
technology (5th ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Hi Rhonda:
ReplyDeleteAnother great posting from you this week. I share in your appreciation for working for a sensei leadership style, and I strive to demonstrate these desirable characteristics in my own leadership settings. I thought it was interesting when you mentioned that you "have an appreciation" for a combination of the sage and oracle leadership styles, as to date, that has described me best. I look at the sensei leadership style as one to aspire to where motivation and coaching tools rather than directives are the norm, yet in certain instances, decisions must be made and ambiguity and indecisiveness can be dangerous. For instance, I work in corrections and my job is similar to a police dispatcher in that I manage all radio communications (both emergent and non-emergent) that occur on my shift. People here my voice all night long as they clear themselves around the penitentiary. Now, often when major incidences occur and my boss needs me to do x, y, and z in a particular order, there isn't time for a vote, for a negotiation, or for me to fuss about not liking their tone. They say do, and I do--period.
I agree that a sensei leadership style is more desirable as (Hall, 2008) points out that the sensei's focus is on "assisting individuals with growth and problem solving (p. 14). Still, there are times as you pointed out that there must be clear directions, unambiguous definitions, and firm structure in order to convey communicate effectively. My take this week is to try and glean from the strengths of every leadership style as each seems to have a place. To the degree that Hall seems to suggest that the sensei model embraces the best of the sage and the oracle, while avoiding their pitfalls, then I would concur that a sensei style is best.
Great Bible verses concerning ego-driven leaderships styles! I think Jesus made an incredible point when he said, "follow me," then He went to the cross. "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" *(Matthew 23:11, KJV). I hope whether in a classroom, or in any capacity I lead in that I can learn to emulate Christ's leadership style!
Blessings,
Loren
Hall, D. (2008). The Technology Director’s Guide to Leadership. ISTE ISBN 978-1-56484-244-2.
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI love your examples of your experiences with the two different types of leaders. Sometimes having a leader that is to the extreme, either way can leave anyone flustered. Having a leader that is more of an Oracle can be slightly frustrating sometimes. Then having someone who is very Sage can leave you feeling micromanaged, and like they don't trust that you are capable of doing the task. I've dealt with both myself and being the personality that I am I just want the assignment and then to be left alone to accomplish it in whatever way I see fit. In one of the comments given by a peer on my blog sometimes we have to frequently change our hats depending on who it is that we're working with at the time. I would have to agree with that. In the case of working with students, we have all had the students that it didn't require much, if any, instruction or directions. You could give them a task and let them run with it. Then you would have students that you would have to be extremely explicit in what you want and you have to almost lead them by the hand to get the assignment done. Knowing which hat to wear can sometimes be the hardest thing to learn.
I agree that with technology being such a pillar in education that students do need those explicit instructions so the teacher might have to put on the Sage hat. One thing that I've found while working with students and technology is being explicit in the consequences of misusing technology, not necessarily how they learn how to use it. After a session where I introduce the technology, the benefits, and give a quick overview, I like to give my students time to play with technology, especially when I've introduced them to new apps. It seems that's the only way they remember how to use the technology.
Thank you for a great blog! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your blog! You did an excellent job bringing your experiences into the discussion on leadership and its place within technological integration in education. I agree that a there are a variety of leadership styles and I also believe that different careers require certain leaders in order to be effective. Leaders within the field of technology, from my experience have been just as you described. They are more direct and final in their approach with little to be negotiated, if anything at all. I have also found more leaders in technology to not be very sociable professional. However, as you stated, classroom instructors are more like a sensei leader, understanding that effective communication (verbal, non verbal,) is critical in helping students learn 21st century skills that will prepare them for their future college or career endeavors.
You also spoke about teachers who refuse to utilize technology in instruction, therefore being left behind. I work with teachers within the college setting that are slowly, yet reluctantly embracing technology. Most, however, are older educators that see technology as somewhat paralyzing students in developing key communication and social skills they need to be successful. The college continues to make strides with integrating technology into the curriculum, due to the technological leaders, who realize we must work diligently and smart, without selfish motivation, to prepare our students for the careers they will seek once they graduate. This is our responsibility and their expectation!
I look forward to reading some of your future blogs!
Thanks,
Reba
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteYour post was great! I really enjoyed it and it caused me to go back and reflect on the different leaders I’ve had throughout my professional career. I can brag a little bit by saying that I’ve been blessed to have only encountered one (sage) micro-manager so far, and it was a very frustrating and overwhelming experience. I currently work in a very small team but I am extremely fortunate to work for an individual who is an oracle-sensei combination. While I am expected to complete tasks following company procedures and policies she practices coaching and modeling to ensure that I build my ability to learn and complete those tasks correctly and in a timely manner. She seeks for opportunities to engage me in new projects and encourages me to establish new relationships with members of the organizations we serve. She gives me credit for a job well done and makes sure that I get the recognition I deserve.
One of your other thoughts was on some teachers not wanting to open up to the great opportunities that incorporating technology in the classroom can represent for students. I believe this may be one of the reasons why technology in education has not evolved as quickly as it has in other fields. The incorporation of technology can be seen as a great resource (not necessarily an end in itself) to grow the 21st century skills students need to be successful in all areas of their lives. I have found this website to provide a wealth of information on the framework for developing these skills www.p21.org - not sure if you’ve visited it before but it has helped me understand the areas that educators should be focusing on to help our students.
Once again great post! Have a blessed week.
Gabriela