Leadership by nist6dh, CC BY-SA 2.0
In reflecting upon people who have been inspirational in my working and learning life, a few key people come to mind. They have all been effective as leaders and are positioned throughout the school hierarchy, not just existing within the upper levels. In particular, they have a number of attributes that I respect and admire. First and foremost, they are effective communicators. This isn’t just about articulating themselves confidently, but rather, is about active listening – showing respect for alternative points of view. They are always encouraging of staff and supportive of new ideas and initiatives, without feeling threatened by the leadership growth capacity of others. Another quality that they possess is a willingness to build genuine and authentic relationships with others; for this is the foundational basis of trust and cooperation.