REFLECTION

As year one of my formative leadership training winds down, the two greatest learning
arenas have been the Galileo Leadership Consortium and my Ed. Specialist program through
Oakland University. Prior to admittance to both programs, I felt that my roles as both a teacher
leader and union president provided me a strong foundation to build upon. Although those
experiences have given me a perspective of what strong leadership embodies, I quickly found
out that I had (and have) a lot to learn. And learn a lot I have!
In reflecting back on this past year, one word continuously comes to mind;
relationships! In each and every one of our classes, it was glaringly obvious that relationship
building must be at the core of what we do as leaders. Furthermore, this year has driven home
the point that whether youre a teacher leader, administrator, or union leader, having the
capability to work with people in a positive way is paramount.
Beyond the scope of professional learning scope (in both Galileo and the Ed. Specialist
program), I found that the relationships that have begun to develop and grow within our cohort
to be an unexpected, and powerful tool for current and future growth. To have a closely knit
group of like-minded professionals at my disposal has been invaluable. We have become a
group that trusts one another, therefore, allowing for open, honest dialogue to take place.
Ironically, this is exactly what should be happening in PLCs throughout our districts, but
because of issues such as time, lack of trust, or ineffective leadership, does not happen enough.
Fortunately, I will have this group as a resource for at least one more year and hopefully many
years beyond.
Another of the most powerful learnings provided to me this year was that of Bolman
and Deal. Having learned about the four frames; political, structural, symbolic, and human
resource, I can now look at leadership and consider each individual framework and more
importantly, analyze where my strengths and weaknesses lie. It also provided me the ability to
analyze individual decisions and consider implications from each of the four frames. Coupled
with my inquiry on Crucial Conversations, I have begun what will likely be a lifelong process of
working to understand how and why individuals act or react the in certain ways. By listening
empathically and having an ability to view situations through different lenses, I am hopeful that
I will not only be a more effective leader, but a better person as well.
Lastly, I believe that the totality of this years learning is what has made this an
incredible growth year for me both professionally and personally. From Covey training at
Yarrow last summer, to typing this reflection, it is the body of learning, not one experience in
isolation, that has been most powerful. As I enter my first year of a principalship, I feel
extremely fortunate to have a cohort group to lean on, as well as new found relationships with
professors and Galileo mentors to help guide me. If, after just one year, I have grown as much
as I believe I have, I can only imagine the opportunities year two will provide me!