Due: 13th June
E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū.
The tūī chatters, the parrot gabbles, the wood pigeon coos.
Effective education leaders tend to conduct themselves in a certain way and usually have several similarities regarding the way they interact with others and approach both their day-to-day work and long-term goals. Ultimately, the success of a leader comes down to a person’s character. Successful leaders make conscious choices that leave a deep and meaningful impact on others.
Disposition: The predominant or prevailing tendency of one’s spirit; natural, mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude.
Leadership Dispositions:
- Self-managing and self-aware
Leaders need to be able to manage themselves before effectively managing others. Successful leaders are self-managing, meaning that they can prioritise their own goals, are responsible for accomplishing them and are able to effectively regulate their time, attention and emotions. Additionally, successful leaders are self-aware. They are completely at ease with themselves and take the time to acknowledge their smaller wins, rather than focusing on bigger failures. It is a leader’s sense of self-awareness that draws others to follow them.
- Effective communicators
In order to be a successful leader, you must be able to communicate effectively. Successful leaders can communicate on all levels, are approachable and work to involve people from all different work levels. Furthermore, successful leaders know when they should talk and when they should listen. They have the ability to clearly and succinctly explain everything from organisational goals to daily tasks to their team members, ensuring that all members are aware of expectations.
- Accountable and responsible
To be a successful leader, you must understand how to use your power and authority appropriately and without abusing it. Successful leaders hold themselves accountable and take responsibility for their own mistakes. They take ownership of their actions and expect their team members to do the same.
- Visionary
Successful leaders are able to look forward into the future and from there establish clear and tangible goals that will benefit their organisation’s future. As a visionary, leaders must be adaptable and agile, as they incorporate change without losing sight of their original goal. With this, successful leaders are confident and optimistic, as they inspire enthusiasm within their teams to strive for the future.
- Creative and innovative
Successful leaders are courageous in that they risk experimentation and encourage creativity amongst their employees. To be an effective leader you need to foster innovation, as doing so will drive your organisation forward and allow you to successfully navigate the changing business landscape.
- Able to work in a team
Effective leaders understand that it takes more than one person to create success within an organisation. Strong leaders are open to the ideas of others and delegate work to increase productivity. Ultimately, successful leadership is built from the people around you and powerful leaders know how to build a team that inspires and creates success.
- Empathetic
To successfully lead, you must be able to understand the perspectives and feelings of others and acknowledge the impact your actions may have on your team. Without empathy, a leader will be unable to communicate effectively with their employees, resulting in fragile team morale. Successful leaders are empathetic towards others, approachable, willing to listen and contribute to raising the morale of those around them. It is their capacity to care about their staff that makes them beloved by their team.
Provocation:
What do you believe is the key leadership requisite for 21st Century leaders? We would love to hear your personal perspectives as leaders.
In the comments below, rank the above seven leadership dispositions from 1-7 in terms of importance. You are welcome to share any thoughts that explain your perspective.
Readings:
Mindsets, Dispositions and Practices of Highly Effective School Leaders, Dr Bobby Moore: https://www.epicimpactedgroup.com/blog/2017/7/7/mindsets-dispositions-and-practices-of-highly-effective-school-leaders
14 Responses
1. Vision
2. Effective communication
3. Empathetic
4. Self managing and self-aware
5. Accountable
6. Creative and innovative
7. Able to work in a team
This is my ranking for this kaupapa – with the leadership styles I have admired and witnessed here in our iwi, community and school, a strong vision is the beginning of how everything else will follow. When you set a strong vision you know which direction you want your waka to row in. This is not sometimes always the case in some situations but this has enabled me to grow my “why” and how I approach certain situations.
Where does time go!! My apologies, my ranking of these.
1. Visionary
2. Able to work in a team
3. Effective Communicators
4. Creative & Innovative
5. Self Managing & Self Aware
6. Empathetic
7. Accountable & Responsible.
Through this course I can’t put anything else but Visionary at the top! Being able to see the big picture and set a clear, inspiring direction is essential for driving progress and fostering innovation. I’ve seen with out a clear vision efforts can be disjointed and lack coherence. Collaboration is essential for turning a vision into reality. Teamwork leverages the strengths of various individuals, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, which is crucial in an educational setting.
Whoops, I had done mine too but posted in another forum
Nikkole Fell says:
June 10, 2024 at 7:11 pm
1.Self-managing and self-aware
Leaders need to be able to manage themselves before effectively managing others. Successful leaders are self-managing, meaning that they can prioritise their own goals, are responsible for accomplishing them and are able to effectively regulate their time, attention and emotions. Additionally, successful leaders are self-aware. They are completely at ease with themselves and take the time to acknowledge their smaller wins, rather than focusing on bigger failures. It is a leader’s sense of self-awareness that draws others to follow them.
2.Effective communicators
In order to be a successful leader, you must be able to communicate effectively. Successful leaders can communicate on all levels, are approachable and work to involve people from all different work levels. Furthermore, successful leaders know when they should talk and when they should listen. They have the ability to clearly and succinctly explain everything from organisational goals to daily tasks to their team members, ensuring that all members are aware of expectations.
3.Accountable and responsible
To be a successful leader, you must understand how to use your power and authority appropriately and without abusing it. Successful leaders hold themselves accountable and take responsibility for their own mistakes. They take ownership of their actions and expect their team members to do the same.
4Empathetic
To successfully lead, you must be able to understand the perspectives and feelings of others and acknowledge the impact your actions may have on your team. Without empathy, a leader will be unable to communicate effectively with their employees, resulting in fragile team morale. Successful leaders are empathetic towards others, approachable, willing to listen and contribute to raising the morale of those around them. It is their capacity to care about their staff that makes them beloved by their team.
5Able to work in a team
Effective leaders understand that it takes more than one person to create success within an organisation. Strong leaders are open to the ideas of others and delegate work to increase productivity. Ultimately, successful leadership is built from the people around you and powerful leaders know how to build a team that inspires and creates success.
6.Visionary
Successful leaders are able to look forward into the future and from there establish clear and tangible goals that will benefit their organisation’s future. As a visionary, leaders must be adaptable and agile, as they incorporate change without losing sight of their original goal. With this, successful leaders are confident and optimistic, as they inspire enthusiasm within their teams to strive for the future.
7.Creative and innovative
Successful leaders are courageous in that they risk experimentation and encourage creativity amongst their employees. To be an effective leader you need to foster innovation, as doing so will drive your organisation forward and allow you to successfully navigate the changing business landscape.
Kia ora
My ranking is as follows:
1 Visionary
2 Self managing/Self aware
3 Empathetic
4 Accountable and responsible
5 Good communicator
6 Creative and innovative
7 Able to work in a team
Until recently, I never would of had vision at the top, however my mindset has changed on it after working with a leader with such strong vision. I now believe without that strong vision and direction, you are really only managing, not leading as such.
Aroha Mai, for the late response,
Here is my ranking from the Leadership Dispositions,
1.Able to work in a team
2.Self-managing and self-aware
3.Effective communication
4.Accountable and responsible
5.Visionary
6.Empathic
7.Creative and self-aware
Morena!
This was a great reflection. I see the leadership dispositions connected and interlinked.
Essentially leaders influence others to advance the values, vision and goals of our kura for our tamariki to learn and flourish. They do this responsively within their context, to foster continuous growth and a strong work ethic.
Empathetic I saw this as emotional Intelligence which is a prerequisite for leadership – Without empathy a leader is unable to communicate effectively.
Moving forward, building relationships, morale, value, positive mindsets and coaching those reluctant to change. Building the team and growing leaders. AND to do this you need to be Self-managing and self-aware
Visionary – why, how and what links closely to culture and shared values and being an Effective communicator – provides clarity, creates culture, values and processes.
Able to work in a team, and creative and innovative – faster alone but further together.
Accountable and responsible for all dispostions above , reflective and responsive sits alongside everything we do as leaders.
Ngā mihi Grace
Hi all,
Apologies for my late response – it has been an extremely busy time!
Here is my ranking of Leadership Dispositions:
1. Empathy – important to be able to understand the perspectives and feelings of those around you
2. Communication Skills – able to communicate clearly and effectively on all levels
3. Able to work in a Team – and developing an effective team that works well together to achieve success
4. Vision – having a clear direction of where the team is heading
5. Accountability and Responsibility
6. Self-managing and self-aware – to manage workload and be aware of own strengths and weaknesses
7. Creativity and innovation – fostering and encouraging this within the team.
This was a difficult activity as all of these dispositions are extremely important and form the package of an effective leader. I think that the setting or circumstance determines which one will be most effective and the priority.
I ranked Empathy and Communication Skills at the top of my list, as without these the team will not feel they are heard or understood. Working with a Team is also extremely important – all school have teams of staff, some work more effectively together than others.
Ngā mihi,
Rebecca
Morena Ali
I did complete this yesterday but came back this morning and saw it wasn’t in our forum. I had posted it in another forum.
Officially I would hope an effective leader had lots of these on par with each other as lots go hand in hand with being an effective leader and if any were lacking or absent then overall leadership would also begin to show cracks.
My personal ranking is though
1. Able to work in a team – You are only as good as the team you are leading and if you lack the skills to work alongside others then your leadership skills will be ineffective as your team will possibly see you as the kink in the chain rather then the link.
2. Self-managing and self-aware – For your ability to work in a team to work to be effective, being self aware needs to be a very close 2nd.
3. Effective Communicator – Speaks for itself in leadership roles! I would extend this to include that a good leader would also be able to draw good communication from their team as well.
4. Accountable and Responsible – Sometimes your wrong, sometimes you are right. I would hope its always the later but in reality it isn’t but being able to stand firm and say you lived up to these attributes is important to being an effective leader.
5. Visionary – A good leader is able to communicate not only the destination but the road that is travelled to get there too.
6. Empathetic – open to a different mindset or ideas.
7. Creative and Innovative – Will also go hand in hand with the rest once the other attributes are embedded into the culture of the team.
My ranking of these seven leadership dispositions in terms of importance:
Self-Managing and Self-Aware
Empathetic
Effective Communicators
Accountable and Responsible
Visionary
Able to work as a team
Creative and Innovative
Each of these seven dispositions is essential to effective leadership, but their relative importance can vary depending on the specific context and needs. Generally, self-awareness, communication, accountability, and empathy are foundational for building trust and leading effectively. Visionary thinking, creativity, and teamwork enhance a leader’s ability to drive innovation and collaborate effectively.
My ranking for the seven leadership dispositions
1. Self-managing and self-aware
2. Effective communication
3. Empathic
4. Able to work in a team
5. Visionary
6. Accountable and responsible
7. Creative and self-aware
I also think being adaptable to a very important leadership skill to have. Situations are constantly changing and being adaptable allows for flow to continue.
Self-managing and self-aware
Effective communicators
Accountable and responsible
Empathetic
Visionary
Creative and innovative
Able to work in a team
Strengths in all the above dispositions are necessary. However, I think in order to operate effectively, teams need a strong foundation of trust. By knowing oneself, communicating effectively and holding oneself accountable for getting the job done with a high level of integrity, a leader can establish a culture of trust.
I believe that self-management and self-awareness are key leadership requisite for 21st Century leaders. A leader who is self-managing and self-aware is in control of their emotions, time, and priorities can set an example for their team and manage them effectively.
Here’s my ranking of the seven leadership dispositions in terms of importance:
1. Self-managing and self-aware.
2. Effective communicators.
3. Empathetic.
4. Accountable and responsible.
5. Visionary.
6. Able to work in a team.
7. Creative and innovative.
Key Leadership Requisite for 21st Century Leaders
In the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, adaptability stands out as the key leadership requisite. This encompasses being visionary, creative, and innovative, enabling leaders to navigate through constant changes and challenges. Adaptability ensures leaders are not only responsive to immediate needs but also proactive in anticipating future trends and opportunities.
Ranking of Leadership Dispositions
I believe that Leadership is heavily influenced by a range of variables such as the individual’s cultural capital, their upbringing and experiences, values and morals. These things all shape the way that I look upon the following leadership points.
Visionary
Importance: Visionary school leaders set the direction and inspire their teams toward long-term goals. In the 21st century, with rapid technology advancements and societal and political changes, having a clear vision is crucial to guiding schools through uncertainty.
Explanation: Visionary leadership is foundational because it forms the strategic backbone of a school. Visionary leaders are adaptable and agile, steering their teams toward innovation and future success, which is essential in our constantly changing environment.
Empathetic
Importance: Empathy fosters trust and loyalty, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. This is crucial for maintaining high morale and staff satisfaction.
Explanation: I ranked empathy second because understanding and valuing team members’ perspectives strengthens relationships and enhances team cohesion. It directly impacts communication effectiveness and morale, which are essential for a motivated and productive staff. My own leadership philosophy emphasises building strong relationships, being honest, listening actively, and balancing empathy with realism. By prioritising the well-being and happiness of my staff, I believe productivity, morale, passion, and purpose naturally follow. This, in turn, filters down into classrooms and engagement with the tamariki.
Effective Communicators
Importance: Clear and effective communication is essential for making sure everyone understands our goals, expectations, and feedback. This keeps everyone aligned and motivated.
Explanation: Communication is crucial for bringing our vision to life and ensuring everyone is on the same page. In today’s world of information overload, being able to convey messages clearly and listen actively is key to building strong, collaborative teams.
Self-managing and self-aware
Importance: Effective self-management and self-awareness are the foundation of all other leadership qualities. Leaders who manage their time, attention, and emotions well can better lead others.
Explanation: I ranked this fourth because self-awareness and self-management are essential for all other leadership traits. Being self-aware helps leaders recognize their strengths and weaknesses, which fosters continuous personal and professional growth. This self-regulation is crucial for maintaining stability and resilience in a fast-paced world.
Creative and innovative
Importance: Creative and innovative thinking are key for progress and keeping organisations ahead in the competitive landscape. Leaders who foster these qualities equip their teams to tackle challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
Explanation: In today’s fast-paced and politically influenced educational world, creativity and innovation are essential for long-term success and adaptability. Cultivating a culture of innovation ensures that schools can not only adapt but also thrive amidst constant changes.
Accountable and responsible
Importance: Being accountable and responsible is like the glue that holds our staff together. It’s crucial for maintaining trust and integrity within our Kura. When school leaders take ownership of their actions, it sets a powerful example for the rest of the staff.
Explanation: Accountability isn’t just about following rules; it’s about demonstrating ethical leadership and building trust among staff members. When we hold ourselves and others accountable, we ensure that everyone is committed to meeting the codes and standards and upholding ethical practices. This not only fosters a positive work environment but also contributes to our long-term success
Able to work in a team
Importance: Collaboration is absolutely vital for achieving our organisational goals. Leaders who can seamlessly work within and lead teams harness diverse skills and perspectives, boosting our overall performance.
Explanation: Now, while teamwork is undeniably important, I’ve placed it seventh because its impact heavily relies on the other leadership qualities. Successful team leadership is deeply intertwined with vision, communication, empathy, and accountability. Without these foundational elements, even the most collaborative teams may struggle to reach their full potential.
Personal korero:
As a leader, I believe that adaptability, supported by visionary thinking, is the most crucial trait for success in the 21st century. The rapid pace of change means school leaders must anticipate future trends, embrace innovation, and guide their teams through new challenges. All while juggling the visions, expectations and directions laid out by the MOE. While all dispositions are important, having a clear vision and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances empowers leaders to effectively navigate our complex world.
My own leadership philosophy focuses on building strong relationships, being honest, listening actively, and balancing empathy with realism. I prioritise the well-being and happiness of my staff because I believe that when these are in place, productivity, morale, passion, and purpose naturally follow, leading to a thriving and motivated school staff and whanau. This reflects my belief that a clear strategic vision and strong self-awareness are the foundation of effective school leadership, supporting all other qualities and ensuring overall success.
I really enjoyed the Reading that has been posted above, and feel like the mindsets, dispositions and practices paint a better picture of what a good leader does or thinks than the items listed above. Having said this, here is my list of importance:
1 – Visionary
2= – Self-Managing, and Empathetic
4= – Effective Communicators, and Able to work in a team
6 – Accountable
7 – Creative and Innovative.
The main concept that stands out for me is the visionary aspect of leadership. I think with all the change that is going on at the moment, this is really important for schools and their leaders to ensure that the current pace of learning is maintained. Different schools will be managing these changes in different ways, and I feel like there will be many that are good uses of time and resources. However, not all will be appropriate and these leaders will lack the visionary element that is so required.
I made Self-Managing and Empathetic equal second due to their relevance in a school setting. As a deputy principal in a primary school, we spend a lot of our teaching time supporting our tamariki to build these dispositions. They are important and necessary to succeeding in life. Without them, any leader, be it at school or any where, will not be able to achieve the success that s/he really wants to. I think that very little work would get done, and the leader’s relationships with others will be lacking quality,, and this will make the achievement of change in a school difficult (or indeed impossible).
I’m really curious to see how other people reflect on these points – I remember at the PLG in Auckland back in March that we had to do a similar exercise and my answers were very similar to those of the people next to me. I suspect that these will change somewhat this time around. Kia ora koutou.