Lately on social media, there have been many conversation starters on Leadership and the fear some teachers feel of the Leadership role. In my own role as Principal and director of my Interview Preparation company, I meet many people who would be great leaders but are afraid to take the plunge. Most cite family commitments, the stress of the role, fear of changing relationships with staff or lack of ability or skills as reasons not climb the leadership ladder. All of these points are extremely valid. However, it is important to remember that we all possess leadership skills to some degree or another in both our personal and professional lives. Everyone should take a moment to consider our personal or home life and list the many things we do each day that show effective leadership skills which include- time management, organisational skills, effective communication skills, etc. Take any busy parent juggling work, childcare and after school activities and I will show you a strong leader!
Though leadership roles are challenging, they are also extremely rewarding. I would encourage teachers to believe in themselves and their abilities and if they feel the urge for a change, to go for it! Do not let the opinions or expectations of others affect your decision. I know when I was going for the principalship in my school, many well meaning friends urged me not to go for it. I was advised to mind my nice teaching job and my children. Yet here I am, a busy principal and mother of seven and still standing-barely! It is certainly challenging but it is all about balance.
I work with many aspiring leaders either through help with application forms or preparation for interview and I would love to delve further into Leadership topics and share some aspects of Leadership on this blog.
I will start with Leadership Skills. Take a look down through the list and ask yourself how many you use daily in both home and school life!
Leadership Skills
- a clear communicator
- strong organisational or management skills
- willing to delegate
- visionary
- honest
- positive
- emotional intelligence
- can take feedback or criticism
- respectful to others
- builds relationships
- encourages staff and children
- inspires and motivates
- reflective
- fair
- resilience
- accountable
There are many more but I do not want a super long blog post!
TIP!
For those of you who may be considering a leadership role, start a journal and list key leadership skills that you possess and examples of a time you displayed this skill.