Behaviors of an Effective Leader
1. Listen attentively. In our culture of Facebook and Twitter, we get used to posting statuses and updating everyone with our own lives that we are forgetting how to listen. To lead students, colleagues, and administrators effectively, it is important to listen. Sometimes, I take notes or type while I am listening to make sure that I do not talk and to have something to refer back to with the other party to ensure that I have heard correctly. Some art teachers doodle to aid listening! Just make sure that you pre-empt your doodling by stating that this is how you have learned to be a better listener! In recent times, I have been involved in many phone conferences or meetings through the computer. These experiences have forced me to be a better listener because if I am talking too much, other members do not have a chance to speak. I also have to wait for others to respond (especially if I can't see members of the meeting through the computer screen). I now realize that while I thought I was a good listener in the past, I really was just waiting to speak. There is a difference.
2. Find solutions. Instead of reporting a problem; work to find a solution. In our classes, we teach students how to problem-solve. As adults, we need to model this behavior. I often ask my students or colleagues to help me brainstorm a solution to the presented problem and then work on it together. If I have to take a problem to an administrator, I generally will present the problem and then try to give three solutions for how to resolve it. Better yet, don't even state that there is a problem and just give suggestions as to how to find resolve.
3. Give credit. This is not easy to do - especially in a school system. Our parents, administrators and colleagues often are quick to give credit to the students and teachers are easily overlooked. As a result, we find ourselves in situations where we want to add information about ourselves to gain credit. However, effective leaders move past this and in proactive communication can state what he/she was able to accomplish but also state the others involved that helped to get us there. Make a point to give credit often and regularly to those around you and develop a habit of doing so. This doesn't mean that you think less of yourself - you just think of yourself less.
4. Communicate well. Be proactive in your communication. Be clear, be concise, and be unemotional! Write, edit, and rewrite e-mails before sending. Proof your work for grammar. Think about tone and how you come across in your communication. It is important to be direct, communicate the facts, and demonstrate compassion and flexibility all in one fell swoop. This takes practice and is not easy to do! Get into the habit of thinking through conversations before they start and considering how you present not only yourself but the facts of what you would like to communicate. As teachers, we always want to say the right thing and be kind and we need to use this to our advantage in difficult communication scenarios. Rehearsing, writing, and listening will help anyone be a better communicator.
5. Acknowledge mistakes. How often do we really hear other adults state that they were wrong! Not very often! Admit when you made a mistake, apologize, seek to find resolution and then move on. Acknowledging a mistake does not mean that you have to feel guilty about it for the next year and apologize repeatedly! The key here is to acknowledge, learn and move on.
6. Value Diversity. Value diversity in age, gender, race, culture, learning styles, personalities, communication styles, etc. The list is endless. Every conversation with someone else is a chance to listen and embrace differences and to learn.
7. Demonstrate. Practice what you preach and lead by example. Your students are always watching you as are your colleagues. Think about it - what behaviors did you demonstrate today in your actions?
8. Integrity. This is defined as the possession of steadfast adherance to high moral principles and standards. In our jobs, we expect our students to demonstrate integrity. Professionally, we should expect the same of ourselves and our colleagues. A leader not only demonstrates integrity but holds true to a vision of high moral principles and standards for his/her classroom, department, school, and community. A leader will share this vision with others as well as model it.
9. Understand the effect of your behavior on others. Leaders know that every word that is spoken and comment that is written has an effect on others and that there are consequences. Think before you speak, edit before you hit the send button, and watch your facial expressions and body language because everything you do in a leadership position will be modeled or has the potential to be misinterpreted by someone else. Choose your actions carefully.
10. Is accessible. The constant balance in most leadership positions is accessibility. It is difficult to be accessible and still maintain enough time to accomplish tasks both personally and professionally. A good leader will maintain a controlled schedule and be flexible enough to modify that schedule based on needs as they arise. This is often very difficult to do and it can be a daily challenge to also make time for oneself.
11. Remains flexible. We've all seen it before - an individual so controlling that he/she leaves a path of bodies in his/her wake! Flexibility does not mean that you are weak. Rather, it means that the person that aspires to lead must be willing to listen, to be wrong, and to follow when more effective leaders emerge. It means being willing to take a detour, stop, slowdown, and change plans - all the while acting with integrity, compassion, and vision.
12. Requires accountability. Being flexible doesn't mean that you have to be a doormat. A good leader knows that results are achieved when there is accountability for both professional and personal behavior in students, colleagues, administrators, and parents. Accountability does not mean ruling with an iron fist, but it does mean that it is OK to communicate proactively about expected results and assist the other person or group of folks in recognizing how their contributions or lack thereof might affect others
13. Avoid quick judgements. Becoming a better listener also means that you learn to collect the facts before you jump feet first into making assumptions about someone, a situation, or a chain of events. Slow down, listen, ask questions, and then make your judgment.
14. Has a vision and shares it. If a leader is able to understand the big picture and break it down for others to help accomplish - this is truly a remarkable gift! Being able to effectively communicate vision and allow others to participate in your journey makes any job more interesting and allows for friendships over shared accomplishments that can last a lifetime. It also allows other to appreciate the process and learn and grow as leaders themselves.
15. Shares leadership. One person alone cannot accomplish everything successfully long-term.
16. Builds positive relationships. Isn't any job more fun when everyone gets along?
17. Builds consensus. Take the time to share vision, listen to differing opinions and build consensus for the process. In the end, everyone will win and the goal will be achieved - which is always the ultimate goal of a good leader!
Resources: The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.
