One great American educator once said something to this effect: “The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds can continue growing as long as we live.” Despite the bumpy ride, I truly have to admit I've learn so much. Matter of fact, I can recall:
Emotion Intelligence (EQ) Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
Core Values Vision
Purpose Mission Statement
Leadership Styles Decision making skills
Gossip Self-Care
Family partnership
What do you feel will stay with you?
I'm certain; one of the things that will stay with me is emotion intelligence-the ability to read people. This skill is not to read people in any negative way but to understand their feelings-thus, to make better decision. One essential factor is that as directors we need to be willing to explore our personal awareness; identifying our “humility, humor and flexibility”. With that we are then able to better read and understand other.
What will be useful?
Building partnership! Many programs have in mind what services they wish to provide for families. But how often do they forget to involve family. Despite having some clear goals for their program, Program Directors must be open and willing to “ask and listen’ to families expectations and needs. The question should be, “how best can we serve you?” rather than “These are the services that we have to offered, do you need any? Building partnerships will be useful for me to identify ways to appreciate and learn about different families, recognize their goals and values and discuss how I can better serve them. “Directors have the opportunity to create, with their staff, environments where every child’s family is welcome” (Bruno, 234).
What might you have liked to hear more about?
One thing I wish we had time to discuss in a little more detail is supervision. Although we touch it a little, the questions that still links in my mind are: How do we motivate ‘lazy’ teachers? What are some ways we can help teachers to see their role as a caregiver? Where do we draw the line between being professional and being personal with staff? How can supervisor make fair judgment between 2 teachers or teacher and family? etc. I know that supervision can be a difficult and many times supervisors are dislike among staff. But in this class I do appreciated the comparison between directive and reflective supervision. Despite the questions, I’ve learn “Skilled supervisors used both directive and reflective supervision as part of their overall plan for supervising staff” (Bruno 144).
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Hello Mark,
ReplyDeleteI think we have all learned alot this semester. I agree with you EQ,& building partnerships are extremely important to a program. I like the way you phrase, "how can we better serve you," versus "these are the services we offer, do you need any of them. I think many organizations would benefit from viewing the people they serve as partners.
Part of our job as leaders is to motivate others, however in some cases there are employees who just do not want to work. Perhaps they are experiencing burnout, or just feeling under appreciated. I think it is important for leaders to use a balance of reflective and directive supervision when dealing with employees. It is also important that we let employees know that most of their professional development is up to them.
Hello Mark,
ReplyDeleteI loved building partnerships! I work at a school that serves and are suppose to help low income families. Rarely are the parents asked what they think about how can we better serve them and their children. I think it is very important that parents are allowed to be involved in any activities that involves their child. Using the "ask and listen" technique will help teachers and directors understand different families.