Speak with integrity, lead with authenticity and hold yourself accountable
Here are my comments regarding the article, '5 ways to be a conscious leader'.
1. Cultivate self-awareness-
Becoming self-aware is arguably
the single most beneficial thing you can do to up your leadership style.
As a leader and
as a coach, I believe every leader can benefit from coaching, as I have found
it develops self-awareness. I wonder if it becomes more important for leaders
to develop self-awareness with their increased responsibility? I’ve read about
the isolation and loneliness some Principals experience and question if they
had the support of a coach, could this assist? It’s important to also mention
that coaching is based on a trusting relationship, which I have previously articulated in the article, ‘The Benefits of Coaching’.
2. Check
your influence-
We are the product of the five
people we most associate with
This year I attained
a leadership position at a new school and I have been reflecting on the
characteristics of acquaintances, colleagues, and edu-friends. Over the years, it’s been interesting
to observe who has made the effort to stay connected and who hasn’t. It’s not a
judgement but I wonder if the conversation or relationship is elicited by the context or your role?
Throughout the
years, my critical friends or my go-to people have changed. But then, there are
some who for whatever reason, are always there, whether it be to support, to be
a critical friend, to push my thinking or to ask the difficult questions. Every
school holidays, I make an effort to meet up with educators who I admire and
respect. Selfishly, these conversations inspire and can reignite my passion. I
truly value these conversations. I can name the 5 people who continue to be
influential in my education career…. can you?
3. Meditate-
The great thing about this ancient
tradition is that there are many forms of meditation.
My
drive to work has been extended so I have an additional time to plan or reflect
on my day. Yet, I do know this is an area where more focus in needed.
4. Be intentional-
Conscious leaders succeed because
they bring intention to everything they do.
As an educator, I have learnt to ask one question. “What is the
purpose and what is my intention?” If I stay true to always asking this
question, then I will stay true to myself. Although schools are busy places, we
should make the effort to pause and question the services, processes and traditions we have
continued. I’m not saying we should change everything but we should ask about the
intention and the purpose.
5. Practice
the four agreements-
1. Be
impeccable with your word (Say only what you mean, and don’t gossip or speak
negatively).
It’s
easy to get drawn into gossip or to speak negatively when you’re tired and
feeling overworked. It takes effort to
stay low on the inferential ladder.
2.
Don’t take anything personally (Nothing that others do is because of you, it is
all a projection of their own reality).
Teaching
is personal, especially when you invest so much of yourself in your work. This agreement is difficult to sustain. I have learnt to not respond immediately. Take at
least one night to respond and speak with a critical friend. Firing back
immediately never generates the most rational conversation.
3.
Don’t make assumptions (Instead, have the courage to ask questions and
communicate).
Being a coach has really helped me development my ability to not jump to conclusions or assume. Staying low on the inference later is vital.
4.
Always do your best (Your best may change day to day, but by doing your best
you can avoid self-judgement and regret).
I think leaders and teachers judge themselves too harshly. Educators tend to hold criticism like Velcro and compliments like Teflon.
Please feel free to provide some comments on this article and my reflections.
@stringer_andrea
