Module 9 Activity 7: Role of the Leader

Ideas Relevant to my School

I am enlightened by Robert Knowling’s views and articulation of the marriage of vision and values in the article ‘Why Vision Matters’ and bear relevance to my school. He is very profound in his views that vision and values spawn any strategic action and without which the strategy will be doomed, especially a strategy of change. This is a very important issue for us to consider as educators in our quest to integrate ICTs in teaching and learning which requires a significant change process. He was also quick to point out the difficulties and painfulness in both defining and articulating one’s vision and values.

 Style of Leadership

As a leader in education, I am paying special attention to the need to spend adequate time to go through the vision and values process with every new member of staff, outlining an in-depth description of every aspect in relation to the institution. I agree that the first step in visioning is to assess the organization.

I am a believer in building trust and development of other leaders by talking honestly.  I also believe in frequent examination of our strategy, effectiveness as a team and own growth as a leader. It was always my belief that in dismissing an employee for the violation of core values should be made public so as to bring about awareness of the consequences of breaching core values as a bold statement and not be swept under the carpet.

This view is strongly supported and articulated by Robert Knowling. He further stresses the need to not only focus on business deliverables but the distraction of vision and values since culture is inseparable from strategy as this could leave the institution without a future. This disciplined approach to vision and values helps all members understand what is important in the organization and addresses not just what but how and why each individual is expected to deliver.

In Dee Hock’s article of ‘The Art of Chaordic Leadership, I consider the following views as relevant my school:

       Leader presumes followerer while followerer presumes choice and one who is coerced to the purposes, objectives, or preferences of another is not a follower in any true sense of the word, but an object of manipulation.

       Induced behaviour is the sense of leader/follower while compelled behaviour is the essence of all the other relational concepts.

       A clear, constructive purpose and compelling ethical principles evoked from and shared by all participants should be the essence of every relationship in every institution.

All these issues are critical to the successful of ICT Integration at my School and should be considered in a significant way.