Educational Discourse

I’ve been tagged by missprofe. The question: What are 7 qualities we don’t know about you that help you be a leader?

1. I’m proactive. I don’t like to be in reactionary mode too much. Part of being in a position of leadership is trying to determine what is happening and then, in a positive manner, begin to determine ways that it will be beneficial to your school, students, parents and staff.

2. I am confident in what I do. At one point, blindly confident and it caused me no end of headaches and problems. Now, I’ve learned that confidence does not mean you are always right or always the one in the light or the one being praised. In fact, you might be wrong but it will be your ability to admit the wrong, apologize and move on that will be notices. You may not be noticed at all but you allow others to take credit and are satisfied that the job was accomplished. You may even be the one taking a bit of criticism but you know that it is part of how people react to change and to new things. It is not always easy but you realize that also and are content knowing that you are doing your best.

3. I love learning. Almost spending too much time reading and trying to get through all my feeds! I enjoy stretching myself, seeing things from a new perspective or from an opposite perspective.

4. Failure is another word for opportunity. As a leader I need to realize that not everything I do will be successful but that I can learn from it.

5. I am realistically positive. I know when I’ve reached my limits and when, no matter how much syrup and sugar you put on it, something will taste bad. For times like this, I’ve learned to face the bitter taste, take it and then move on. Love, trust and pixie dust doesn’t work in reality – I have to be able to see things as realistically as I can in order that I don’t raise someone’s expectations too high or create false hope. That’s wrong.

6. I’ve learned to listen – without speaking – for a while -  at least 5 minutes. No, really. It is sometimes hard to do. You want to cut that parent off and tell them where they are mistaken or get the student, who’s mad at someone, maybe me, to quit. But, by letting people talk, I’ve been able to then ask them questions and clarify things. In my time of listening, I can also sense whether there is any chance at dialogue at this moment or, if I say something, will it escalate.

7. I still have some humor. I haven’t lost it all. Not yet. Although I sometimes put it in a drawer and misplace it for days. Kind of like having a heart. I’ve had that surgically removed so that I can deal with the various emotional situations that come my way without getting too emotionally involved. Or that’s what I tell the kids anyway!

So there you have it. My list of 7 qualities I think I possess as a leader that no one, even my evil twin, knows I have.

Tag: Susan Funk,  J Boulton, Dean Shareski, K Cofino , RandomThoughtsofanedadminlifer, Dustin Swanson

Jenny Moon 

Enjoy the reading!