I have always been a learner. I have always been a leader. My understanding of engaged learning and teaching and my ability to lead, communicate and build coalitions led naturally to public school administration. I have a particular passion for educational leadership through an Arts in education lens and issues surrounding education in rural districts.
My mother would tell you that Educational Leadership is "part of my DNA."
As years pass, I have come to believe her.
To understand what has led me to this place, read the piece written as part of my studies for a Minnesota Superintendent's license: Born into Belonging.
STRENGTHS BASED LEADERSHIP
Deliberative
Of the strengths assessed through StrengthFinders, deliberative is the closest analysis of the vision I have for my own life, personality and work patterns. I insist on taking roles seriously and will not allow myself to look foolish upon completion of each task or event. While some people may think that leading from deliberative would be only using controlling parts of the description, I have learned to use the skills and knowledge about procedures and work to enhance communication in organizations and groups. In organizations I am a better chairperson than committee member in that I can lead an effective meeting, making sure that all voices are heard around the table and yet keep focus on the work to be done. I generally do not share my opinions and feelings about an issue at the beginning of the process or meeting; however, I listen to the conversation or debate and then will share my opinions based on my own beliefs and on what I’ve heard from others. Then, I am particularly confident in decision-making and moving forward.
Significance
More than any other motivator, significance is perhaps the single driving force behind my daily work as an educational leader. Rath and Conchie write, “By nature, you may inspire excellence among certain kinds of talented individuals…people want to work with or for you.” Making an impact on students’ lives at school as an educator, of worshippers’ experiences in church as an organist and worship leader, or as a leader in an organization motivates me to continue to lead in these capacities. In Strength Based Leadership it states: “Your impact on the world is almost entirely dependent on the number of people who believe in you as a leader. Always be true to yourself, on and off the stage, and people will see your authenticity.”
Ideation
In Rath and Conchie’s book they state about ideation: “…you grow weary of certain activities when you are forced to perform them in the same way again and again……there is a better way to do something, but no one is willing to consider the changes you suggest.” While I have known these things about myself, reading it in the ideation descriptor made me understand that I can use ideation as a strength instead of as a frustration. I’m not sure from where ideas surface, I just know they drive my work and my life.
Maximizer
Accepting student and staff opinions and valuing efforts for the good of the whole is the best example of my maximizer strength. Making sure that all persons and their ideas are valued in our working and learning place is essential to my success as an educational leader and as a person. There is a definite downside to being a maximizer: it takes time to build the trust needed so that those involved will understand that each person is significant to the process. However, when this happens the results are substantial.
Strategic
I often use my ease with verbal and written skills to my advantage or to the advantage of the organization/group I am leading. In my work with various teams in school, I am often the communicator through both spoken and written word. I formalize plans into understandable language and charts, I present the ideas to my fellow administrators, the Board of Education and teachers. I bring to light topics that need broader discussion and decisions. My ability to communicate with various populations with ease serves me well as I continue to grow as a school administrator.
