The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

Reading from ICT Cluster

I found this reading fantastic, I could relate to all 5 practices and it has allowed me time to reflect on where I can improve.

First I want to summarise a few points under each of the five practices as I feel they are of value to me and are the sections that I was able to reflect on my leadership in ICT throughout the school.

Model the Way

• Leaders need personal credibility
• If people don't believe in the messenger, they won't believe the message
• Titles are granted to you, leadership is earned
• Leaders have to stand up for their beliefs and be clear about their guiding principles
• As leader you can't impose your values on others and expect them to commit. (This is where I have reflected and we are running workshops on the purpose of blogs and class pages so that staff see a purpose and can create a shared belief.)
• Engage others to common goals
• Create shared values and embrace these

This final statement really stuck with me as a sign of leadership

"Leaders do what they say; whether their words and deeds are consistent. Leaders set an example and build commitment through simple, daily acts that create progress and build momentum."

I feel that I do this I model good practice of ICT and support others in their journey meeting their needs along the way.

Inspire A Shared Vision

• Leaders inspire a Shared Vision by envisioning the future and enlisting others in a common vision. (I think I need to do this better so have set up a workshop on the purpose of blogging)
• Leaders passionately believe that they can make a difference.
• Leaders cannot command commitment; they can only inspire it. What may begin as "my" vision emerges as "our" vision

Challenge The Process

• Those who lead others to greatness seek and accept challenges
• Leaders challenge the process by searching for opportunities and by experimenting, taking risks and learning from mistakes.
• Leaders must remain open to receiving ideas from anyone and anywhere
• Leaders know that experimentation, risk and even failure are involved when taking up challenges

Enable others to Act

• Leaders know they can't do it alone. Leadership is a team effort. (This has been my greatest achievement over the last year, realising that I don't have to do it on my own and to use my team to help me out. Celebrating their successes in leadership with them.)
• Enable others to avt by fostering collaboration and strengthening others.
• Leaders proudly explained how teamwork, trust, and empowerment were essential to strengthening.
• At the very heart of cooperation is trust.
• The work of leaders is making people feel strong, capable, informed and connected.

Encourage The Heart

• Part of the leader's job is to show appreciation for people's contributions and to create a climate of celebration.

I have been sending emails to staff who have been showing and sharing blogging with others to congratulate them on their efforts. I had fantastic responses from people.