My thoughts on Leadership

So two weeks have passed. What have I been up to ?

I must say that it has been a very intellectual stimulating journey for me so far. I have been kept busy with tons of readings, assignments, projects and coordination work to Google Singapore Office & Microsoft Office for the cohort. Thanks to Gene for linking me up with M/S. Another place for my fellow course mates to go to. The food in NIE is fantastic, I am surrounded by food where ever I go. Sometimes, they run after me and overtake me.But seriously, if you happen to drop by NIE for any business, let me know, let's have afternoon tea together.

A snapshot of my typical lunch- I eat this almost everyday.

Ok , now back to business...

In this post, I am going to talk about my thoughts on Leadership. As I sat through the lectures listening to the various leadership theories. I asked myself this question - " What kind of leader do I really want to be?" It is not that I am facing an identity crisis but after being a head for many years, it is time to reflect and to take stock whether I am effectively serving the organization that I am in.

The course has led me to form certain convictions of what it means to be a leader. I use the word,"convictions" and not "views" as I believe that everything rises and falls with leadership.  I even form my own "ethos" of leadership and how I should held myself accountable to these personal ethos..so I am going to briefly share with everyone my personal ethos....no theories ,just 5 points...

1. Give and don't take (This ,coincidentally is the MLS Ethos when the lecturer encourages everyone to adopt a attitude of servant-hood)

Translated it means- we give our best to serve others ( in the school context- the pupils and staff). We don't do things because we want to have the post or the promotion or the bonus. We serve out of a willing heart, for the greater good of the community. Don't be calculative.

2. Exhibit humility and graciouness when interacting with people .

3. Be proactive.

Don't wait for things to happen. Always think of how one can constantly contribute to school improvement.

I once worked under a boss who shared with me that when he was still a teacher, he would go to his principal and asked for support to do things for the benefit of his students. No one asked him to do it but this change agent wanted to enhance the learning experiences of his students so much so that he was willing to invest time and energy to bring things to past.

4. Don't make decisions based on emotions or whatever are convenient to you. Make informed decisions for the good of the organization even if it means that people will be offended with you and even if you have to roll up your sleeves and bash through the forests, do it !.

5. Have the heart of a teacher.

Educational leadership is unique in the sense that pupils and staff are always in the centre of our decision making. The ability to emphatize yet maintaining a high level of professionalism is the hall mark of any good leaders.

So folks, that's all for this week.  Have a good weekend ahead.