Module 9 Activity 1: Leadership in the Digital Age

Generally speaking, leadership is about solving problems and it is imperative that school leaders play a critical role in ensuring that the investment in technology leads to direct improvements in learning. As school leaders, we must capitalize on any available opportunities to develop leadership skills around managing increasingly complex educational technologies  in this ever increasing digital age.

According to an article adapted from LEADER, Fall 2004:

Being an effective leader does not always require moving heaven and earth. A leader's role can vary and be effective in small, yet extremely powerful ways.

Being an effective leader does not always require moving heaven and earth. A leader's role can vary and be effective in small, yet extremely powerful ways.

·         A clarifier listens, summarizes, and makes things clearer

·         A coach encourages others to develop their skills.

·         A facilitator helps the group set goals, make decisions, choose directions, and evaluate progress.

·         A delegator helps each group member apply her talents and interests to the group's goals.

·         An initiator gets things moving.

·         A manager helps coordinate the parts of a project and keeps an eye on progress.

·         A mediator helps resolve differences.

·         A networker connects people with people and people with ideas to move the project forward.

·         A problem-solver suggests solutions and ways to get things done.

·         A visionary sees creative solutions, new directions, and possibilities.