Session XXIV

Definition
A leader may be defined as a person who

establishes vision, sets goals, motivates people and obtains their commitments to achieve the goals and realize the vision.

 Most of the managers derive their power

from their position in the organization and the formal authority that comes with this position. Leaders often arise from a group without any formal appointment and outside the purview of the organization structure.

What it takes to be an effective leader

They

invest time in building and maintaining relationships with people. They consider the time spent in maintaining relations an investment for the future. They try to strengthen their relationships with people by helping them achieve their personal goals.

 They ignore the negative aspects of a person

if these aspects are less than his positive aspects. They do not look for immediate results from relationships. They patiently maintain relationships with people for as long as 1520 years in order to accomplish their long term goals.

 They recognize that individuals differ in

their needs, goals, and wishes, and therefore modify their behaviour from one relationship to another accordingly. They encourage people to recognize their hidden talents and capabilities. They ignore criticism by opponents on their emphasis on relationships.

 To maintain a relationship both parties have

to extend cooperation. If the leader finds that the other person is not willing to cooperate, he puts an end to the relationships with that person, because the relationship is not worth maintaining. They strive to maintain enthusiasm and energy in all their relationships. Their high energy levels motivate other people.

Leadership skills required at different organizational levels

Top Middle
Human Conceptual

Technical Supervisory

 Technical skills

A persons knowledge and ability to make

effective use of any process or technique constitutes his technical skills. The employees at operational and professional levels are required to have certain technical skills.

 Human skills An individuals ability to cooperate with

other members of the organization and work effectively in teams is referred to as human skills. It also involves developing positive interpersonal relationships, solving peoples problems and gaining acceptance of other employees.

 Conceptual skills

This refers to the ability of an individual to

analyze complex situations and to rationally process and interpret available information. It also encompasses an ability to foresee the future consequences of his present-day actions from the organizational point of view.

Dimensions of Sustaining Leadership

Partnership and voice Vision and values Knowledge and daring Savvy and persistence Personal qualities (passion, humor, and

empathy strength of character, general maturity, patience, wisdom, common sense, trustworthiness, reliability, creativity, sensitivity)

 Attributes Views problems as opportunities Priority setting Customer focused Courageous Critical and creative thinker Tolerance for ambiguity Positive attitude towards change Committed to innovations that are best for

children

 Skills Debate, clarify and enunciate values and

beliefs Fuel, inspire and guard the shared vision Communicate the strategic plan at all levels Recognize the problems inherent to the planning process Asks big picture questions and "what if" Support the school staff through the change process

 Encourage dreaming and thinking the

unthinkable Align the budget, planning, policies and instructional programs with the district goals and vision Engage in goal setting Develop and implement action plans Practice and plan conscious abandonment Transfer the strategic planning process to planning

 Knowledge Board and superintendent roles and responsibilities in

planning and implementing plans The strategic planning process, short and long term planning tools The board and district vision, beliefs, and mission The relationship of the budget to district planning The local, state and national factors that affect education The best practices and research on improving academic achievement The process of change and paradigm shifts Strategies to involve and communicate with the community