Typically, ideas of leadership stem from business models that are a hierarchical structure with the ‘laymen’ being at the bottom and those who are the leaders, for example managers, CEOs, executives sitting in the top tiers. Removing choice words from the original image and using Michelini’s (2019) picture provides a visual explanation.
The image provides a good laugh, however, it traditionally villainies those in ‘leadership’ roles.
The question What Makes A Good Leader is one that I have been reflecting on throughout Module 1 and in my current employment situation. Our principal, who we all admired, acquired another principal position at a different school and there were numerous discussions over what qualities the staff wanted our new principal to have. Our school staff community is a very close-knitted group and the loss of our principal was devastating, because, our principal embodies the qualities of an excellent leader.
Leadership is not a position of prestige or a higher pay packet, although the demands for leadership are greater to those with more responsibility as Spider-Man would vouch ‘with great power must also come — great responsibility.’ (Lee & Ditko, 1962). Leadership is the ability to structure people and delegate, provide support and ensure that the end goals of those key players are being met. Being a leader requires the respect of those working on your goals and an understanding of the unique attributes that individuals bring to a team. A leader will find opportunities to highlight the strengths of others, and promote a positive attitude to the harder areas of a task.
Personally, I feel that our principal is missed because of his sense of humour. Our leadership team is one part of our school family, but they never considered themselves the end-game. The leadership team is a way to ensure that all voices and ideas get brought to the table and thoroughly discussed to ensure that our business is able to be the best place for learning. We have a clear goal and direction for our students and that is to provide a place where they feel safe, connected and able to learn.
Interestingly, our library is not the center of our school and currently does not have a librarian in at all. I am hoping that this course will support my understanding and love of library to be able to be a leader within this section of the school and highlight the importance and strengths that a library can offer to the wider school community.
References
Lee, S., & Ditko, S. (1962). The amazing Spider-Man. Marvel Comics.
Michelini, M. (2019). Funny Idea of Management Structure – But I Disagree [Blog]. Retrieved 9 March 2020, from https://mikesblog.com/funny-idea-of-management-structure-but-i-disagree/.