On July 10th we had a class on Leadership and Organizational Change by Dean Shields, which I was very interested to follow due to a special interest on this topic. The reason for that is that it makes me wonder about myself as a teacher being a leader and about my students.
First, I noticed through his topic introduction that, there has always been a misconception that to be a leader you must be that outspoken and talkative kind of person who draws attention for yourself all the time. Also, there is a commom belief on this old view that the leader must be this type of bully guy, who gets things to be done through fear and imposition. Nothing so far from reality on this new 21st century new set of rules.
I understood through his speech that leadership comes from respect, dialogue and agreement. It is understood through a set of examples performed by the leaders and team members. The feeling of fear must be changed by adressing thiose led by clear discussion about the points needed to be improved. Giving chances through formal signed agreement is also important to keep a fair sense of justice with the people.
As for myself, i was interested on knowing how shy people, like my case, can be a leader as well. Actually, this topic was not so clearly mentioned, but through the concepts he provided us, I am pretty sure we can also be. Keeping an open mind, fair sense of justice and task driven, certainly we also can strive on that and contribute to society in any field we are in.
Speaking specifically about education, I believe that what was adressed on the class is essential in this new century as people are more connected, having different approaches on all sorts of things and not taking things for granted. So, communication is the key, in special one which listens more than impose on people.
Of course you can be shy and still considered an excellent leader. Also, you can give your students opportunities to be leaders like in the lit circles or discussion circles and call them director, questioner, leader, peace-maker. Give the role sometimes to people that may not see themselves as a leader (and allow them to shine). Also, give the role to someone who is not always the loudest (and too, you will see them take-off)!
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