I’ve been very fortunate in my professional career to have had supervisors with differing leadership styles, all of which I have taught me how vital the role of a leader is to the culture of an organization. In my current leadership role, I find myself imitating the styles of the leaders that have respectfully supported and guided me to improving and growing in my career and preventing behaviors from the authoritative and laissez-faire leaders. Therefore, I would describe my leadership style as a democratic servant leader. Providing multiple, collaborative opportunities for my colleagues to share their expertise, opinions and feedback before decisions are made and working to meet their needs. I have experienced the negative impact authoritative leaders’ behavior have on the culture of an organization, and unfortunately the negative implications to student achievement. I have learned that it is vital for a leader to recognize the wealth of knowledge in the organization and have the ability to bring everyone together to work towards the school’s mission and vision. The laissez-faire leader can cause as much harm. A leader must make the effort to develop relationships with their staff and the ability to create structures that complement their goals and meet staff’s needs.
Relationships, communication and collaboration are going to be the key factors that I will focus on as a leader. As a teacher, I have learned that investing time and effort into building relationships with my students has been the greatest factor in building a culture of learning and respect. I was amazed on how many of my students’ attitudes towards their future and their potential transformed from the beginning of the year to the end. It was not an easy task and one that I needed to monitor and tend to on a daily basis. I have come to realize that we adults require the same type of attention and respect. It is a human need. And as a leader, recognizing human needs will guide me in the right direction.
Relationships, communication and collaboration are going to be the key factors that I will focus on as a leader. As a teacher, I have learned that investing time and effort into building relationships with my students has been the greatest factor in building a culture of learning and respect. I was amazed on how many of my students’ attitudes towards their future and their potential transformed from the beginning of the year to the end. It was not an easy task and one that I needed to monitor and tend to on a daily basis. I have come to realize that we adults require the same type of attention and respect. It is a human need. And as a leader, recognizing human needs will guide me in the right direction.