In continuing our look at leadership, we looked at and discussed "Management vs. Leadership." Kimberly Fifer gave us some great ways to think about the differences in those two.
Management
Icon: clock
Speed
Works IN systems
Reactive
Number cruncher
vs.
Leadership
Icon: Compass
Direction
Works ON systems
Proactive
People developers
It has been interesting for me to reflect on the two words: leader and manager. Certainly after twelve years in education I have encountered both leaders and managers at the school and the district levels. You can almost guess whether a leader or manager is at the helm of the ship simply by talking with faculty and staff of the school. A positive school environment where teachers are treated professionally, feel empowered to help make important school decisions and help fulfill the vision of the school always seem to have true leaders as administrators. Schools that are "led" by managers often have created negative environments where teachers become frustrated and pessimism becomes the norm. Sadly, too many of our school leaders at all levels choose to focus on managing schools rather than leading these schools in the right direction. Fortunately, many of us teach in schools with leaders who have encouraged us to grow as leaders ourselves. Hopefully, as our school leaders begin to develop more effective leadership skills and more teacher leaders are given the tools and support to thrive, we will see continued improvement in our schools. Thank you to the many administrators who truly lead. You make such a difference in the growth of your teachers and in the education of your students. What are ways we can help our managers become more effective leaders?
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