Power Dynamics Made Easy

At my school there is really only one individual who holds the power:  that is the principal at my high school.  Luckily, he is a very competent and fair administrator but currently he is stretched too thin because he alone has the power to affect change.  If you have his ear, change will occur in the direction you want.  If you are outside of his decision making process or circle, you will not have a voice.  Consequently, a direct relationship must be built with the principal (preferably on both a personal and professional level) if one wishes to influence change.

Strength-based leadership

Leadership does not occur in a vacuum.  It occurs within a community of individuals who are brought together for a common purpose.  Strength-based leadership involves a leader who is able and willing to discover the strengths of those he or she is working with in order to form a working plan and solution to an issue.  The community of practice is the real-life setting where important decisions are discussed and agreed upon.  By utilizing the strengths of contributing members, a leader is able to implement a solution for which all group or team members feel responsible.

First entry . . .

I hope to learn what my personal leadership style is and what it will take for me to become an effective teacher leader from this course.  I also hope to learn the qualities and skills other teacher leaders possess including communication and facilitation skills.  My leadership skills are questionable right now and thus I am confident that I have a great deal to learn in the coming weeks.