How one behaves and is allowed to behave is determined by the leader at the top. It does not matter if it is in a family, in a business, in politics or in a school. Leadership is critical to the success or failure of ones leaders. Every adult and many students have the opportunity every day to be a leader. How we lead affects everyone directly and indirectly in ways that we don't even know.
I recently read a blog in which the main theme was the very poor leadership that was occurring in a school. It sadly had made the morale of the staff so negative that it was affecting all aspects of their lives. It is very hard to keep a positive attitude when around you is a vacuum of negativity. If the leadership instead empowers you to think creatively, supports your ideas and makes you rise to the challenges the entire structure is strong.
There are all sorts of ways in which to be a leader but great leaders all share characteristics that make them this way. A great leader inspires others to want to work harder. They allow others to do their jobs also encouraging them to keep asking questions and learning. A strong leader inspires those around them to think of problems as opportunities to solve. A great leader does not tolerate behavior that hurts others. They also recognize the achievements both large and small of others in the group. Clear expectations of everyone's behavior, including their own, are critical in great leadership. Essentially a great leader makes the individuals around them be the best that they can be while working together as a collective unit.
I hope for all of us an environment to live in, in which we can be a great leader as well as have great leadership leading us. It is a daunting challenge but one that is essential to our happiness.
I absolutely agree with your sentiments - leadership is essential for success. It reminds me of one of my own postings recently: "Rotten fish heads" (from the saying: "A fish rots from the head. See: http://www.khanya.co.za/blogs/index.php?entry=entry070415-212020
ReplyDeleteYou're so right that leaders set the tone for a building or organization! To me, the ability to inspire and motivate are dependent on leaders' commitment to be visible, interactive, and to model desired behavior. For principals, that means getting involved in the classrooms and halls, even to the point of teaching occasionally.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful post. I watch my teenage son and his friends. The leadership (or lack there of) of the family shows through. I watch the teachers in my district. The buildings with little strong leadership can be seen in the staff. Likewise, the buildings with strong leadership shine through.
ReplyDeleteHP, You hit a triple with "A strong leader inspires those around them to think of problems as opportunities to solve." but leave him stranded with "A great leader does not tolerate behavior that hurts others." I'd carve the 1st in stone, and crumple up the 2nd into a ball to practice my batting skills. As always, a good read. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHP, You hit a triple with "A strong leader inspires those around them to think of problems as opportunities to solve." but leave him stranded with "A great leader does not tolerate behavior that hurts others." I'd carve the 1st in stone, and crumple up the 2nd into a ball to practice my batting skills. As always, a good read. Thanks!
ReplyDelete