In order to lead one needs a desire to lead. Based on the group and the circumstances, a leader and adjust their leadership style to be coercive, democratic, affiliative, coaching, pacesetter, or authoritative.  Qualities that a good leader possesses are positive, honest, and hopeful. A leader in education coaches students and gives them what they need to succeed. 

In this section of the module, I was very touched by the PBS documentary – The Principal Story (2009) – that followed the stunning performances and work ethics of two principals, Tresa Dunbar and Kerry Purcell, as they struggled to improve the morale and academic performances of underrepresented students in two separate high-poverty schools.  For Dunbar and Purcell, their successes relied on their transformational leadership styles, fueled by their passion to make the futures brighter for their students. They were unwavering in this quest.  The faculty members who had the grit to remain on board were challenged to develop their… >>>

I have learned what the differences are between both a manager and a leader. Through this, I learned that I am generally more comfortable and have had more roles similar to a traditional manager than a leader. While I enjoy this role, this module has given me ideas where I can improve my leadership skills and take steps towards becoming a leader, when appropriate, as well as a manager.

People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Intentional listening shows care for people in ways far greater than intelligent speaking or a powerful speech can express in words alone. Words may move people to action. Listening moves people to connection. 

Instead of focusing on learning styles exclusively, I think leaders should choose the modality based on the primary learning goal or task, and not solely on a person's personal style. For example, a person may declare to be a visual learner, but they may learn and grow best and more effectively by engaging in deep and meaningful conversations with their peers or teammates where they question assumptions and embrace new perspectives, versus simply processing info through graphs, charts, or illustrations or written notes. 

I have learned that leadership is more vague than is management. Leadership is associated with words and phrases like: visionaries, commitment, motivation, and birds eye view. Management is associated with words and phrases like: implementation, task completion, delegation, and ground level. It seems than management is easier to quantify with data, while leadership is more of a "I know it when I see it."

That is why I think both leadership and managers should at least understand what the other does and deal with. Without understanding what life is like "in the trenches" leaders can seem disconnected and unconcerned. Without… >>>

I will be more successful at completing my goals if I write them down. Get them out of my head and into the world. I'll do a better job of being accountable when I can see it and be reminded of it. 

This is highly outdated in a post covid world with the current political climate

I like the idea of creating templates of which leadership styles work best for certain situations or follow groups. that way I can plug and play quickly