Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Leadership and Planning - Week 6

I really took a lot from this course. It made me look back at changes that I have been a part of while at Messmer. In many ways, it reinforced my method of implementing change. I have not treated all changes the same way. Only a handful of them were widely discussed with different stakeholders. Others were decided between me, the principal, and the president. The method was determined by the scale of the change. Small, school level changes were done with smaller groups (like our fall registration process). Larger changes (implementing block schedule, switching to Google Apps) were a much longer, thorough process, involving many different people.

I have noticed many people in my schools being teacher leaders since starting this class. Previously, I considered them people who go above and beyond what was required, not necessarily viewing them as teacher leaders. I now have a little different view of what they do and how they affect others. We have some really strong leaders at all of our schools, which is encouraging.

My opinion of my leadership potential has not really changed. I know I can lead but I am the type who likes to work in the background and not really be noticed. I don't even want credit for the changes I put into place. I want to spend my time making sure the change goes smoothly. I have confidence in my leadership abilities. Now, with a change in my position at Messmer, I will no longer be able to work behind the scenes. That, in my opinion, is a change for the better. An announcement will be forthcoming on my new appointment. Stay tuned!

As far as improving education from within, I think communication is the key to improving. I need to make sure I keep talking with others, being in the technology field, I also need to make sure that I provide as many forms of communication as possible. The more ways we have to communicate the more we will communicate. Communication improves how people view the school, the students, the administration, the parents, and the mission.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Mike,

    It's great to hear that you were able to reinforce and improve your methods of instilling change in your district. You make a really good point that not all changes are going to be changes that need the intense discussion and all the things we did in the game. I think that's a reasonable way to approach changes.

    I agree that communication is going to be the key to encouraging progress. One thing to mention, is that during this communciation, don't forget to provide research or data that shows the change is going to be a good decision! Sometime I forget that part.

    Thanks,

    Mary

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  2. I also like to work behind the scenes. I take pride in making changes work and don't need recognition from the larger group. I've always been that person who goes above and beyond. I did it at General Motors and I do it now as a teacher. I sometimes get unfairly labeled for what I do. I'm not trying to outdo anyone. I would rather others follow my lead and stretch their boundaries. Thanks for viewing the teacher leaders on your staff as such. It means a lot when someone else appreciates the extra efforts of others.

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  3. I like how you pointed out that you're idea of leaders has changed. I also thought those people were just going above and beyond and didn't really see them as leaders, but now I know they are! They are creating change everyday and leading others in it as well! I really enjoyed this class and have learned valuable information that I can use all the time! We do need to remember to talk with others instead of just looking at data to make a change.

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