Personal Leadership Philosopy
A personal leadership philosophy is important, as it helps keep the compass heading in focus amidst the fog of work and leadership. When making choices, reminding yourself and the team of who we are and what we believe guides these choices and decisions is essential. A good leader is like the conductor of an orchestra. Each song and stanza is a project and goal. They do not play any instruments as they are not experts in them. However, they know how each supports the whole piece. They also help guide and give space to those who are. The conductor controls the tempo and pace. No one person shines as brightly when working together, as they create the whole piece with everyone knowing their role and part.
As an educator, I remind my students that we are a team, and although they are here to learn, my primary job and most important role is to support them as individuals and help them become the best version of themselves they can be. When they are regulated and supported, the learning goals are easier to meet. When considering me in the role of a leader, there are a few characteristics I would bring to the team.
Respect, kindness, and empathy for the other team members. We are humans first; this must be our priority. We were not brought into this world to be workers but to share humanity. What we do supports this.
Next in importance is good communication and collaboration. No one person knows everything or has all the answers; however, together we have a better chance of finding the answers.
Third, it serves as a reminder of our philosophy and goal, reminding us that our choices and decisions should always be based on this.
Fourth, respecting teammates’ time. It is a currency we cannot get back. If information can be sent via email instead of a meeting, let it be an email. If their work can be done at home and is not directly dependent on hours of the workday, provide this flexibility. Support independent growth. If a team member needs further education or skills, support it, as it is an investment. Also invest in the humans themselves—their social and emotional needs. To be professionally successful, one must have their social and emotional needs met and time to be the best version of themselves.
Lastly, and I would say overarching, it is our choices respecting mutual humanity and respect for all life. Are these choices leaving the world, whether workplace, city, or state, better than we found it, while doing as little harm as possible?
We measure success through qualitative indicators that demonstrate productivity and growth. Another way we measure success is through team satisfaction, the fire of wanting to work, and a sense of purpose. We would do individual self-reflections as well as group reflections. My Expectations of the team are to feel as if they are an important part of the team, and they understand their importance. Are we on track, or do we need to adjust our approach to help redirect this energy back towards our goal? Are we as a group focused on our goal? Are we feeling supported and heard? As a leader, I am open to suggestions on how I can lead more effectively and efficiently, as well as communicate more effectively. There is a philosophy in Africa called “Ubuntu,” I am because we are. Our classroom success depends on all parts being supported and doing their part.