Modeling the way

Modeling the Way - Assignment - who were my models of leadership?


When I look back at the people who have influenced my leadership style, I would have to begin with my first principal, Dorothy. A faith-filled, soft-spoken, yet strong leader, Dorothy modeled a collegiate style in everything she did, from staff meetings, to organizing her team of teachers and support staff at the school. I always felt that I could go to her with a problem and that she would hear me. Many times, I would come up with my own answers in my discussions with her. Her sense of humour and affection for children fit with my own belief in how an educator should behave and she often would affirm my own beliefs for me and the students I worked with. I never felt that I was inferior as support staff. In fact, her gratitude towards support staff often shone through and gave me the boost of confidence that I needed.

When I first went into administration as an assistant principal, my supervisor and principal, Gary, provided me with a different model. Strong convictions and passion for Catholic education was always evident in his dealings with staff, students and the public. Gary was also tuned into parents and the community, often considering them in decisions regarding the school. If he did not consult them directly, he would put their views before the rest of us when we were planning lessons, student activity days, or putting comments on our report cards. His leadership style was different from Dorothy’s in that although he consulted staff on issues, he often made decisions behind closed doors. I never questioned these decisions at first, because, quite honestly, I was a little intimidated. Also, these decisions too often made sense. After we got to know each other better, Gary would often consult me in my areas of expertise and in fact, let me carry the load at times. The transition to principal for me, in Gary’s footsteps, was not onerous as we had similar values and beliefs. In fact, his modelling of strength of conviction, combined with Dorothy’s affectionate ways proved to be a great combination that I adopted in my own leadership style.

As I continue to grow in leadership, I am provided with yet another model for leading and learning: my superintendent, Betty. She is intelligent, experienced, and believes in a team approach to leadership. She often reminds us that we need to build capacity in our schools, support for ourselves and for our students. While her expectations are high for us, she is an understanding leader. In our principal’s meetings, she models how we can also lead our own teams. Under her leadership, we are also reminded that we are learners and we do not need to do everything alone. Her team supports her and she expects us to develop teams at our schools to support us. While we are developing these teams, she provides her support either directly or indirectly through her team members. It is because of Betty and her encouragement that I am taking this leadership course, and because of her support, I feel I can achieve greatness.