Teamwork

What do you think are some of the "non-negotiables" of a collaborative culture? In a word, teamwork. A team is a group of individuals, collected together for a common cause. Sporting teams are easy examples of this as they are on public display. When a team is dysfunctional the coach is fired and players are traded. Schools have some of the same dynamics as this, just not as public. It is a shame that we are not as scrutinized because I feel that we would be more empowered to make changes. To me, a collaborative culture is when all members of the school system act in a common bond. It is a culture where individuals support each other, collegiality is the norm, trust, openness, professionalism, and a desire to serve all students.(Green,2009) What strategies would a successful leader use to maintain a positive and collaborative culture? On any good team, the coach is the top leader. However he/she realizes that everyone on the team is important and that an organizational structure needs to be in place. Leaders closely supervise the work of followers, establish work standards that are high but obtainable, carefully organize tasks, and identify the methods to be used in completing the task. Likert (1967) By setting a good example, modeling a behavior to obtain a successful school atmosphere, the leader will find it easier to work with the staff. Leaders make extensive use of group supervision and emphasize follower participation in decision making, communication, cooperation, and the resolution of conflict. Likert (1967) Describe a collaborative school? What does it take for a school to become one? This school would be very inviting. A place that you would quickly say that you would love to work there. It would be lead by friendly, dedicated staff members that feel as though they are a significant part and a valued team player. The leader coaches, influences, and assists followers in fulfilling individual, as well as school goals. Most of the responsibility is shared, as followers are empowered to participate in finding solutions to challenges. These leaders would operate with a shared vision and a compelling mission, acting on the accepted notion that collaboration is essential to their success and the success of the school. What type of communication network seems to be at work in your school/district? My school district is very top down in its structure. Henri Fayol presented an administrative perspective consisting of five basic functions: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. (Green,2009,p67) This describes the Augusta Schools system well. I have seen in the past year or two a movement toward PLC. But the people in power have a hard time letting go.

How does a leader facilitate effective communication in a school? You must make all school personal feel as if they are an important part of the system. They must feel comfortable with the school environment and willing to lend a hand and a need arrises. The leaders need to focus on the personal needs of followers. They should emphasize the development of interpersonal relations and display the kinds of behavior that motivate and influence followers to set and achieve high performance goals. Likert (1967) What theories make the most sense to you from this week's reading and seem most readily applicable? The Relationship Theory is one of the many theories that I connected with. It is based on the foundation of creating an environment of trust and the common goal of all individuals reaching their full potential. Here you will see leaders that will express a concern for the welfare of other individuals in the school. They display warmth, trust, respect, and a willingness to consult with followers before making decisions. Stogdill and Coons (1957) I also have a strong affiliation to a cooperative style. Democratic leaders place emphasis on shared decision making and viewing followers as equals. They encourage members of the faculty to participate in discussions and decision making. Lewin, Lippitt, and White (1939) As a leader I would try to incorporate this into my decision making. Creating as much as possible, a school where every one feels as though they have ownership.

References

Green, R.L. (2009). Practicing the art of leadership. Boston, MA: Pearson Education,Inc Lewin, K., Lippitt, R., & White, R. K. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimental created social climates. Journal of Science Psychology, 10 Likert, R. (1967). The human organization: Its management and value. New York: McGraw-Hill