Valerie Woodruff, Secretary of Education, Delaware Department of Education
Education leaders occupy a unique position and must exercise the responsibility and authority that comes with the position wisely. There is no greater responsibility than leading a community toward a vision for teaching and learning that will ensure the success of all children. The challenge is in building strong consensus not just on the goal of raising student achievement but also on the methodology of meeting the goal and of measuring progress toward it. Bringing varying points of view together, listening carefully to those points of view, and weighing what actions to take are important steps.
Education is a people centered enterprise, and the people who are invested in education must be valued; however, the leader cannot satisfy all parties, nor should he or she try to do that. By trying to satisfy all, the leader satisfies no one and appears weak and indecisive. By taking action without consideration of the views of others, the leader is seen as autocratic and insensitive. A thoughtful leader will engage diverse views in a well-structured process that will allow all to be heard and will incorporate the best of all views before crafting a path forward. Once the path has been decided, the leader must remain focused on the goals to be achieved and not be distracted by unreasonable criticism or second-guessing.
Any leader who believes he or she can realize success without the support of others is foolish; therefore, communication that reaches not only policy makers but also opinion leaders, including parents and families must be a part of any plan. Clearly the seriousness of the work in which educators are engaged today and the importance of its ultimate success require a strong, well thought-out plan for presenting, explaining and gaining support within the education community and within the larger community as well. Communication cannot be one way; rather it must be an ongoing process of gathering facts and opinions, of assessing progress and making course adjustments. All of this must be accomplished without digressing from the ultimate goal and being led off course. The leader must clearly articulate that he or she is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the enterprise or any action taken by the organization, and that while the views of others are valued, those views will be considered within the context of the plan and degrees of freedom that can be exercised within the plan and still meet its goals.
Building consensus, setting a path forward, listening and adjusting as facts present themselves are just part of the scenario. A wise leader will also ensure that a strong team comprised of additional leaders is in place to take ownership of the plan and to move it forward. Team members must be capable of taking responsibility for various components and of acting in a self-directed, well-informed manner to bring all facets together. Exercising guidance and providing feedback without "over managing" are critical not only to realizing the desired outcomes but also to strengthen the organization and the individuals within the organization.
Choosing the team cannot be left to chance but must be a strategic part of understanding how an organization must work and what skills are needed to bring ultimate success. Bringing complementary and versatile individuals together to build a strong team whose members bring their own set of talents, knowledge and opinions to the organization is critical. The wise leader will choose those who will challenge respectfully, work collaboratively, and act professionally. Such a team brings diversity of thought and opinion that lends itself to building a stronger, more purposeful organization.
An organization so designed can withstand difficulties and challenges and be agile in making necessary adjustments. Continuing to build consensus both within the organization and between the organization and interested groups brings immeasurable strength and credibility to the decisions that are made and the actions that are taken. Additionally, it sends the message that leadership of the organization rests not only with the "head" of the organization but is also distributed among the other members of the team who are committed to the vision and goals of excellence that are integral to the realization of success. For educational organizations that success is defined as the improved achievement of all children.
posted by AcrosticGuy @ 3:03 AM
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