Yes, it’s true…
You are allowed to go back to this post in which I whinge and complain that I hate the idea of being a leader in my school – but please remember we are all allowed to change our minds! 😉
So what brought about this change?
Three things: (1) Chatting in online uni forums with other TLs; (2) my course’s set readings which propounded the importance of leadership; and (3) my final assignment which required me to dream up a vision for my workplace.
(1) Communication is important anyway, but when studying via correspondence it is vital. On July 19 (Module 1) for example, I wrote: “Still struggling if I even want to be a leader anyway. Part of me just wants to work quietly in an admin office or somewhere and then go home. :)” This was commented on by one person who agreed with me but pointed out the reasons why she liked her job. This made me realise that my issues with various parts of my job should not impact on my ability or desire to lead – they are two different things (and perhaps, leadership would make the rest of my job more palatable…?)
This was compounded a little later (module 2) when I put on another load of whingeing. Some agreed with me, but one person wrote: “You could be the ‘Chosen One’ and ignite the fire of collaboration and vision from the library at your school! Imagine what it would be like!” Clearly I needed either to get myself fired up or just quit. Leadership became the fuel for my fire!
(2) In the interests of space I won’t list or quote all the readings this semester that affected me and my desire to lead. I will have to mention a few, though. This quote I have used in a previous post but it really made me wake up. “Innovation is open to every man, woman, and child. It requires an inquisitive mind intent on solving an existing problem.” It is very easy to point the finger at the Principal or your supervisor when good things don’t happen at work, but why not take it on yourself? Don’t be a whinger (yes, I need to listen to my own advice) be a doer! Make what you want to see happen, happen!
Next, according to Collay, “leading is creating better opportunities for learning [for both students and staff].” (2011, p.85) “Leadership” is not sitting behind a desk, pushing papers, it is looking after your core business and the future of our country – the students we have been given to teach!
Lastly, I read that good leadership must be transformational – which is leadership fueled by the goal of working for change. Without this, we will fail to guide the staff and students towards success in the 21st century (Marzano et al, 2005, p.16) I realised that leadership was a dynamic process, not a dictatorial one. Good leaders have a vision of where things need to be and then guide their organisations towards that vision. Yes! I want that!
(3) Next came the final assignment where I had to create a 40 word vision statement for my school library and outline the process for getting there. This was the most practical and enthusing assignment I have done thus far. After coming to terms with my library’s mission and current situation, and by setting goals for what I want to see the library become, I: fueled my fire (see 1) and put into place my turn to be a transformational leader (see 2). My vision statement encapsulates all that I want the library to be in three years and that enthuses me to move forward as a TL and as a leader. I want the library to be engaging, relevant and user-friendly for my 21st century students – those I have been given to aid – and ensure they can become the interactive, communicative and adaptable learners (and people) that our information heavy and savvy world requires of them.
I believe it is an honour to have this role and I can’t wait to see my visions find fruition.
References:
Collay, M. (2011). Teaching is leading. Everyday Teacher Leadership: Taking Action Where You Are (pp. 75-108). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Innovation Takes Practice More Than Talent. (2013, January 30). Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.redthreadthinking.com/innovation-takes-practice-more-than-talent/
Harding, D. (2013, July 19). Thoughts after reading and questionnaire. [Online forum
comment]. Retrieved from http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/ETL504_201360_W_D/page/4c0338bd-9a89-4115-003e-4ac35e67e81e
Harding, D. (2013, July 30). Innovation. [Online forum
comment]. Retrieved from http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/ETL504_201360_W_D/page/4933d5cc-acf1-483d-80b1-d103046118f2
Marzano, R. J., Waters, T., & McNulty, B. A. (2005). Some theories and theorists on leadership. School leadership that works: from research to results (pp. 13-27). Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development ; Retrieved September 29, 2013, from: http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/lib/csuau/docDetail.action?docID=10089219
Neal, R. (2013, July 31). Innovation. [Online forum
comment]. Retrieved from http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/ETL504_201360_W_D/page/4933d5cc-acf1-483d-80b1-d103046118f2
Neal, R. (2013, July 19). Thoughts after reading and questionnaire. [Online forum
comment]. Retrieved from http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/ETL504_201360_W_D/page/4c0338bd-9a89-4115-003e-4ac35e67e81e