We manage things but we lead people. So I like to call it Change Leadership.

I think the best leaders are able to use all six styles depending on the situation.

Managers and leaders will compliment each other but which is better a boss who is a good leader with a person working for them who is a good manager or a boss who is a good manager having someone work for them who is a good leader?

Often times when talking about getting people to perform we use the word management. I don't think we should think in terms of managing people. People are most effectively lead, not managed.

Personally I am very thankful that we are not allowed to guarantee employment. What a mess that would create.

Transparency should be a given. Why would we not be totally truthful with students if we have their best interest at heart? This is why we are in education.

Have you ever had a student who liked to show everyone else in class how much they know? How did you handle it? I've tried different things and found that the one-on-one talk is most effective. Once you point out to the student that you value their input but provide some parameters on how and when you would like them to provide you with it, they more often than not will play nice.

You've heard it said, "Don't smile until Christmas." Although I understand the premise, I don't necessarily agree. One can set boundaries, standards, and clear expectations, and enforce them while still being a pleasant person.

It can be helpful to review Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as it pertains to the classroom. Students will want their physical needs met first (chair, desk, bathroom, food, etc. Once those are met they will be concerned with safety needs and so forth.

This is a very effective way to teach because it engages the student. We all want our learning to be relevant. We want it to mean something to us. We want it to be applicable to a real-life situation. If this is the case, our learning and retention increase dramatically.