Week 3 reflection

How has what you have learned so far in this course shaped your concept of an effective leader?


Phew, this first three weeks has been a lot of information. I was just telling my group this week that I feel the readings are starting to blend together in my mind, perhaps I should think about it as they are correlating to each other not blending! I have really enjoyed the readings and have done a lot of thinking about the current situation of my school and how perhaps had we not had such an ineffective leader(s) for the past two years we would not be in as dire of a situation, but then I remember the famous words of our superintendent, “Never waste a good crisis”. Change was needed in Alexandria, it was time for us to move into the 21st century and really give our students what they need, we have all the tools, great teachers, technology and amazing location and building, now we just needed effective leaders and a plan. So we have that now…perhaps we will once again get back to the top of Jay Matthews list (haha!). But in reality my concept of a leader has not changed, but I have been able to clarify the roles of the leader and how they can truly shape an organization for better or for worse.

Based on what you have learned so far, what are the top 3-5 characteristics you believe a successful principal must possess?

I would honestly say that communication would be on the top of my list, I feel that poor communication can break down all other goals you set. Collaboration would also top my list, collaborating with the staff, community, students, central office and other administrators to help with all the tasks of a large organization is essential. If you are able to collaborate and communicate I think you have won more than half the battle.

I think finally a vision or goals, if you don’t have something to aspire to then you are accepting the status quo and no organization is perfect, even Google and Microsoft have to work at things and improve, can you imagine if we had stopped at Windows 98 or if Google was still only a search engine? Any leader who wants to be effective must have vision for where the organization should move next.

Communication, Collaboration and Vision, three qualities you cannot live without in a leader.