Sunday, October 23, 2011

Face to Face Sessions 10/21-22

Let me start off by saying that this past Friday and Saturday were very informational. I feel that every part of it was worthwhile. I liked very much the presentation on School Law on Friday night. I do not think that some of the leaders at my site have as much knowledge that I feel I am now equipped with. My AP actually asked me for a copy of the information that we received this weekend because he didn't go through the course work he just took the test. I appreciated having the powerpoint slides while listening to the presentation that evening. There was so much information that was covered and yet I felt like I was able to actually understand and retain it.
Starting Saturday off with Dr. Hauser was so uplifting. I liked how we were in different mixed groups and were working on interactive activities. Her agendas are always followed and she is a perfect example of how to manage a meeting. I appreciated her agenda format that we go to take home and work with people from Clovis as well as Sanger. I also liked that we went over the forms for Graduation and we always know with this program what is expected of us as students." Changing behaviors vs. Punishing Behaviors" I wrote down this quote that Dr. Hauser said during her presentation and it really resonated with me I am going to put it up in my classroom.
 The presentation by Dr. Kevin Torosian was very enlightening. I appreciated with all the presentations in these sessions the "take away" part. The small pamphlet with Ed Code procedures and guidelines is something that I can refer back to when need be. He was a very intelligent, blunt and to the point and I appreciated him not sugar coating anything. I realized that it is ALL about helping kids and that they need to be treated as individuals and not just looked at as Ed. Code violators. It is an issue or Equity and that will not mean that each kid is treated exactly the same every time.
FRISK- Facts, Rule, Impact, Suggestions/Directions for Improvement, Knowledge. I appreciated Dr. Wise showing us examples of what a FRISK letter should look like and the importance of the FACTS!
Lastly the discussion/presentation on the Fullen book. I loved reading this book and applied it to my professional as well as personal life.Dr. Buster said " Change is 3/4th of just letting go and that is the hard part and 1/4th of it is actually moving on." Once leaders/people can let go of the past they will be free to move on and start the change that needs to occur.
Wonderfully insightful weekend. Looking forward to November 4th and 5th.
Megan

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Trust

Just like the book states in the first paragraph "trust is the most important part of any relationship." Wether it is a spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, sibling, friend or co-worker there needs to be an established trust in the relationship. In order to be trusted and to trust others all other leadership connectors must be present, any/all aspects of Communication, Support, Safety, Competence and Continuous Renewal can be questioned if trust is not at the heart of the relationship. If trust is broken it will be imperative that it is quickly and delicately repaired.
I appreciated the section on respecting vs. liking. It is important for a leader to remember that they may not like everyone they work with or who works under them but there needs to be an underlying mutual respect.
Having a caring environment at work is important and I liked the suggestions: Greet everyone you see each day, Use their names when you greet them, refrain from complaining, don't engage in gossip and treat people the way you want to be treated. (126).
Perceived betrayal is just as grave as betrayal and needs to be addressed. I think I highlighted all of the suggestions to avoid betrayal and perceived betrayal and I will say that I used some of it today in dealing with a personal matter that has been lingering and it worked. Of the suggestions I personally liked: Never talk negatively about anyone, THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH(in all caps because this is so very important and something that I am really working on). Stay away from negative people, their problems, their messes and ugliness, Don't share your personal problems at work. Never lie and apologize.
This book for me has not only helped me in my place of work but also in my personal life, I have greatly appreciated reading it.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Continuous Renewal

This chapter I felt was speaking to me. It was about leadership but it was also a good chapter on anyone who is going through changes wether it be at work or in their personal life. First off to pick ones battles is something that any and every good leader needs to learn how to do. The importance of reflection at the end of the day to write down the good things as well as the bad things. Remember that each day will bring new things and focusing on the good and working to not repeat the bad is something to work on. I agree wholeheartedly that emotions cause people to do things that they regret. I have had that happen to me and I think it is important to note and rember the 10 things to help control emotions:
1) Identify what makes you happy
2)Determine what pushes your buttons
3) Engage in dialogue and reflection w/a trusted friend
4) Consider attending conferences
5) Concentrate on your own professional development
6) Take a walk
7) Be conscious of your attitude + thinking and pro active behaviors are powerful
8) Find the good
9) Be patient
10) Focus on organization

Lastly is is critical to keep oneself healthy and not let the stress any job or life situation endanger your health. Also surrounding yourself with friends and family when important decisions need to be made is something that has helped me through the toughest times in my life.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Competence

Having competence as a leader is something that is so important. The quote at the beginning of the chapter sums it up for me " A competent leader can get efficiency service from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops" Pershing. If a leader is competent they will be able to lead even the weakest of teachers but if they are not eventually even the best of teachers will be worn down.
I appreciated the section of " I didn't know that!". I agree that if you do not know something you should admit it and find out the correct answer, playing dumb will not work in the long run for any effective leader. Self-efficacy as a leader and better yet as a person is so very important. The ability to know how capable you are of completing a task and attaining a goal is vital to success. You will not always get it right every time but eventually you will learn from the mistakes and successes you have made and work through them.
"Gaining competence as a leader is not as clear-cut as gaining competence as a teacher" (84). As a leader there will be no day exactly the same. Being Activities Director I see it all the time and now that it is my fourth year I am finally adjusting it is not an easy task. It is much easier to teach the standards and prepare lesson plans it is difficult to not know what to plan for at any given time.
I will remember the following for the future in administrative success:
- Social/Emotional
-Communication
_ Reflection
- Systemic Thinking
- Learning Theory
- Methodology
- Organization/Prioritization
- Shared Vision