Leaders know what questions to ask ... they share with others

An example of this comes from a blogger I follow, teacher Bill Ferriter ... Click Here you can read a recent post from Bill about questions to ask before buying an Interactive White Board (IWB). The "take-away" from his post (and from mine) is that leaders should be aware that there are many great ideas and all ideas have many implications ... one way to maximize the effectiveness of decisions to know what to ask before engaging in actions. No matter what action is considered it is essential to consider the implications for the people involved and impacted about the action(s) prior to implementing. Intentional decision making, in my opinion, involves seeking input from those who will most be affected by the implementation. It also involves intentionally sharing thoughts, desires, wishes, hypotheses from the leader/leadership team about why they consider the change, implementation, etc.

Quick Urtak Poll

Urtak 2114

Technology Integration in Education "Ning"

http://tech-in-ed.ning.com/ The link above will take you to the Ning for Technology Integration in Education. This social network site is designed to help facilitate the use of technology in the classroom. As a leader my mission of service to others includes discovering and sharing resources of interest so that learning and continuous improvement may take place at all levels. Leadership involves finding out what others need, want, and are skillful with; meeting those needs when possible, fulfilling those wants when possible and enhancing and improving those skills when applicable. I hope that this "ning" provides useful materials, guidance, and support in the area of instructional technology use.

Relationships

Research on leadership essentially indicates that the most important attributes of a leader involves relationships. Listening to others, involving others, building capacity in others based upon their interests and skills, all of this is essential for a leader to be successful. Building professional relationships is foundational for all leaders who hope to find success in education, management, organizations, any industry where people are involved. The best advice I could give to an aspiring leader is to LISTEN to people involved; build RELATIONSHIPS with those around you; show RESPECT to all, and value the honor, dignity, and worth of all individuals!!

More on Leadership and Impact

It's very rewarding when you can participate in the selection of excellent teachers with peers who are trained in the research based methods. It is very rewarding to recommend for hire 200 teachers with whom you have worked for four years. It is very rewarding to participate in what works in education - to join with those who "do" in education. As a public educator I am biased ... yet it is still rewarding and affirming to be part of systems that truly do work, are measurable, and make lasting impacts on student learning. This is an example of leadership that is meaningful.

Twitter

I am rediscovering Twitter ... still I'm not 100% certain how to maximize its impact in/on my professional leadership journey - but I am following more "tweets" and taking suggestions from friends and colleagues about how this web 2.0 experience can increase my (and anyone's) connectivity with our newly flattened world.

Very helpful website

The Illinois Association of School Administrator Web site is very helpful for school leaders, administrators and new superintendents. http://www.iasaedu.org

A video clip about "perspectives" ... it pays to listen to several sides ... know your audience ...

IL Pension Law Changes

Illinois pension laws will change ... http://trs.illinois.gov/subsections/legislative/SB1946.htm This will affect employees post 2011 ... but the concept is clear - all sectors, even the public sector - need to tighten their belts ... the economy is not getting better yet ... all the more reason we need great leaders and leadership in all parts of society.

What makes a leader effective ... an ongoing concept

Leaders are effective when people listen to them. Many writers and researchers have written a lot about leadership. Many studies identify scientifically what leadership is and what traits, behaviors, and responsibilities are "research-based" and proven to have "effects" and impacts on certain behaviors (like student achievement). What makes a leader effective is not answered or described in one post, one log, one blog, one answer. Unless the writer suggests that RELATIONSHIPS - two-way, respectful, nurturing, responsible, appropriate, mutually beneficial, and based upon common beliefs and vision - can help support an assertion that leaders are effective when they build relationships and when their leadership is built upon the foundation that people-centeredness is at least a hugely impactful starting point for effective leadership.

Great Professional Development Experience

Today I was inspired and engaged in a day long IL Administrator Academy course sponsored by North Cook and Lake County superintendents. The District Leadership that works ... striking a balance, presented by Dr. Tim Waters was very useful. Over the next few days I will reflect on what I learned, how I hope to apply the new learning, and generally how this type of professional development (PD) can make an impact on my leadership as well as overall student achievement increases.

Random thoughts about leadership ...

From time to time I will share some random thoughts about leadership ... Leadership is making tough decisions with input from key stakeholders. Leadership is making decisions based upon the values, mission, and vision of the organization. Leadership should be based upon the heart and mind in synergy.

Interactive Poll - Public Education Views, Thoughts - first use of Urtak

Public Education/Leadership

Worldometers - real time world statistics

Pretty amazing link to real time stats in an active "ticker" format

Worldometers - real time world statistics

Link to a Book

Check out the Ultimate Teacher - Great advice, essays, readings

Brief Philosophy - Education

Our complex society presents many challenges to
people as they pass from childhood to adulthood. It
is my firm belief that a strong educational
foundation will support a person’s quest for success
and prosperity. Young people are our windows to
the future. Working with them has helped me see
and consider their views as guideposts in decision
making and planning. I am committed to preparing
and to supporting our young citizens and their
teachers for their future – and ours.

First Post

OK, I'm new to blogging ... I will share some musings about leadership and see what readers think!