Embedded Files
Our first task, to introduce ourselves to our classmates using our tool of choice, was the activity from this module that got me most excited. I really enjoyed reading/watching/listening to each classmate's introduction as it allowed me to learn a bit about them even though we're not in a synchronous learning environment. I made sure to read each one. I think this exercise was an important start as it asked us to reflect on our own professional and leadership experiences, and summarize them in a way that would make a strong first impression. I enjoyed being given the liberty to choose a tool of our liking as it allowed me to share my passion for sketchnoting with our class. It probably wasn't the most efficient tool time-wise I could have chosen, but I really loved the result I produced and will reuse it in other scenarios I am sure. In fact, I shared it on twitter that same day.
The reading on situational leadership was interesting to me in the way it described leadership style as a product of a balance between task-oriented and relationship-oriented responsibilities. The fact that an effective leader is not static in how they balance these two responsibilities, but must be responsive to the maturity of the group within a given context in order to determine which leadership style will best meet the needs of the group at any given time.
Walter, J. E., Caldwell, S. D., & Marshall, J. (1980). Evidence for the Validity of Situational Leadership Theory. Educational Leadership, 37(8), 618-621
I thought the transformational leadership readings were very good at putting into words the qualities many of us feel make good leaders. I found the comparisons made with transactional leadership useful to show what, in some instances, should be avoided or are simply the basic requirements of a leader.
As a leader I want to avoid these aspects of a transactional leadership style:
controlling, top-down & centralized power
reward versus punishment as a source of motivation
emphasis on status in the school/board
I would hope to maintain strong planning, instructional and technical skills that will allow smooth daily functioning of our team and school, even if these are listed as part of the transactional, and thus less desirable, leadership style.
However my focus as a leader will be on supporting and empowering my colleagues to perform to the best of their ability in our work and vision towards student success and well-being. A focus on transformational leadership.
Leithwood, K. A. (1992). The Move toward Transformational Leadership. Educational Leadership, 49(5), 8-12.
Raza, T. (2011, November). Exploring transformational and transactional leadership styles. Retrieved February 04, 2021, from https://irc.queensu.ca/articles/exploring-transformational-and-transactional-leadership-styles
Report abuse