In regards to my currently being in Germany, I have decided to share some of what I have noticed since I have been here.
First, I think that it is important to note that I am in Stuttgart, Germany this week as part of a seminar where I am learning about the education system of Baden-Wurttemburg, Germany (all states in Germany have a different education system - a whole other topic for another day!) There are a total of 18 people that I am learning and traveling with and we are from across the US. There is a great diversity in the age, job responsibilities, interest, and leadership role when assessing this group.
1) The fossils. OK don't take offense, but these are the older people in our group. They have the mentality that they have been around for longer, and therefore they have all of the answers. Even if they are not the right answers. There are 3 women that make up the group of fossils. 2 have traveled to Germany previously. I am a polite southern belle, therefore I indulge them.
2) German speakers/wannabes. These are the people in our group that have some knowledge of the German language and try to make sure that everyone knows it. They tend to be at the front of the line to order dinner or sit and talk to German education leaders in their native tongue.
3) The young ones. I am one of these. We tend to sit back during the day and do as we are told, but yet we are the ones organizing adventures; excursions; or the next beer.
4) The Germans. As I have worked with Germans in the past, it was no surprise to me how wonderful German people are. They are extremely proud of their country and want to share this with everyone. They are also very modest and humble leaders. They love everyone (or pretend to!) and know how to be a great host!
I think that this class has given me a great perspective when interacting with others and has caused me to pay more attention to the situations that I am in. I am more aware now of the role that others and I play in situations.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
8 Roles of Symbolic Leaders
Greetings from cold, rainy Germany! I'm a little late getting these posts up - but nevertheless, here we go!
Leaders have many roles, but the 8 roles indicated by Deal and Peterson are very unique, and applicable to most all situations.
1) Historian. I see myself in this role a lot. The person that comes into the situation and assesses the current culture and where that came from before they make any changes. This is very important, I think, when in a leadership position, as this is a good way to build report and learn about the organization from past experiences.
2) Anthropological Sleuths. I personally think that I could have come up with a better name, but nevertheless! These leaders are probing trying to discover what has led to the current culture. They try to make sense of the norms, values, and beliefs that are embedded in the culture. I also think that I would be a good sleuth....or investigator!
3) Visionaries. Just as it sounds, the role of the visionary is to create a future or a plan for the culture of the school. This person typically will look at what possibilities lie ahead or plan for what potential the organization actually has. The key to this role is working with others and creating buy in that lead to a shared vision.
4) Symbols. It is up to the leader to set an example, and therefore lead by example. By doing so, this creates a symbol that the culture can identify the school with/or by. In this role, it is important that the leader not only walk the walk, but also talk the talk.
5) Potters. This role is created with a clay potter in mind. Just as a clay potter molds and forms clay, the school leader potter molds and forms a school culture with their skill, knowledge, and with great patience. This is a unique role. This is also a very important, and could be considered a pressure filled role for the leader. With school events, behaviors, and visions the culture can be created.
6) Poets. A poet in a leadership role uses their skill with words and description to create and sustain the image of the school. With the leader in the spotlight, it is up to this person to make sure that the organization is shown in it's best light. It is also up to the leader to tell the story of the school and to reinforce the values and beliefs within the school.
7) Actors. In life, you never know what is going to happen. The same goes for a school environment. Leaders are in the front and center and are often called to "act" in order to maintain the professional image of the school. Learning not to over-react, and taking all things in stride will help to make this happen.
8) Healers. Or maybe we should call them coordinators or adapters. This role represents the need to have someone that is able to mend or patch holes in the culture as they arise. A healer should be aware of the impact that transitions have on organizations and acknowledge these impacts.
So to sum everything up - educational leaders need to be miracle workers :)
We are expected to have all of the answers; to always be watching; and to maintain harmony in our organizations. I think that for most leaders these roles are quite intrinsic. However, for others, it may be a struggle to play all 8 roles!
Leaders have many roles, but the 8 roles indicated by Deal and Peterson are very unique, and applicable to most all situations.
1) Historian. I see myself in this role a lot. The person that comes into the situation and assesses the current culture and where that came from before they make any changes. This is very important, I think, when in a leadership position, as this is a good way to build report and learn about the organization from past experiences.
2) Anthropological Sleuths. I personally think that I could have come up with a better name, but nevertheless! These leaders are probing trying to discover what has led to the current culture. They try to make sense of the norms, values, and beliefs that are embedded in the culture. I also think that I would be a good sleuth....or investigator!
3) Visionaries. Just as it sounds, the role of the visionary is to create a future or a plan for the culture of the school. This person typically will look at what possibilities lie ahead or plan for what potential the organization actually has. The key to this role is working with others and creating buy in that lead to a shared vision.
4) Symbols. It is up to the leader to set an example, and therefore lead by example. By doing so, this creates a symbol that the culture can identify the school with/or by. In this role, it is important that the leader not only walk the walk, but also talk the talk.
5) Potters. This role is created with a clay potter in mind. Just as a clay potter molds and forms clay, the school leader potter molds and forms a school culture with their skill, knowledge, and with great patience. This is a unique role. This is also a very important, and could be considered a pressure filled role for the leader. With school events, behaviors, and visions the culture can be created.
6) Poets. A poet in a leadership role uses their skill with words and description to create and sustain the image of the school. With the leader in the spotlight, it is up to this person to make sure that the organization is shown in it's best light. It is also up to the leader to tell the story of the school and to reinforce the values and beliefs within the school.
7) Actors. In life, you never know what is going to happen. The same goes for a school environment. Leaders are in the front and center and are often called to "act" in order to maintain the professional image of the school. Learning not to over-react, and taking all things in stride will help to make this happen.
8) Healers. Or maybe we should call them coordinators or adapters. This role represents the need to have someone that is able to mend or patch holes in the culture as they arise. A healer should be aware of the impact that transitions have on organizations and acknowledge these impacts.
So to sum everything up - educational leaders need to be miracle workers :)
We are expected to have all of the answers; to always be watching; and to maintain harmony in our organizations. I think that for most leaders these roles are quite intrinsic. However, for others, it may be a struggle to play all 8 roles!
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