Leadership Models

Flexibility of a Leader

                I learned that there are diverse models of educational leadership as presented by different authors and different books on leadership. Each model has its own ways, means, styles and manners in leading people. In addition, each model has its advantages and disadvantages in application. I have the confident to say that I function as a leader in my own way especially as a teacher. As a leader I also have my own leadership style and as I examine each model of leadership I was able to identify myself as to what kind of a leader I am. I may be comfortable with the leadership styles I know well and I employ to my students nonetheless I still need to be aware and be knowledgeable to the different leadership styles that I can also submit to application in the accomplishment of my career.

            I realized that the various models of leadership should also be utilized in an appropriate time, people and circumstances that a school head may come across. This is due to the couple of reason namely individual differences, different circumstances and different state of affairs. First of all, as a leader we are dealing with different kind of people with different background and different personality. We can also deny the fact that whatever we do may it be our best but we can’t please everybody. If there are people who will agree and support to our ideals on the contrary there will also be who will disagree and not give their support. In this way, one style may be applicable to some but not to all. So there’s a need for the leader to be knowledgeable enough to the different styles and its impact to the individual differences of his/her co-workers for the leader to be effective in dealing people in order to build a good relationship. Second, it is inevitable that problems and conflicts may arise in a school system in any form of circumstance. Hence,  the different leadership styles has advantages and disadvantages a leader must be skillful enough and wise to apply suitable styles that answer the needs of any situation so that conflicts may be given a favorable solutions. Third, in a system it always involves different state of affairs which includes the teachers, students, parents, stakeholders and people in the community. For the reason that they function differently in the system, a leader must also employ different leadership styles in relating with each of the members of the system. When a school head may be able to deal with these groups of people then I presume that an adequate support will be given to the school and there is a large scale of participation from them.  Thus, a leader must be flexible to shift from one style to another for the effectiveness of his/her leadership.

            If given a chance to become a school head in the future, I think I need to have these 3 E’s that I personally consider as my guide in my preparation as a leader. The three are the following Expertise, Exposure and Experience. I consider that earning an educational management and administration degree as the enhancement of my expertise. If I may be able to acquire this degree I am certain that I will learn concepts, principles, ideas and philosophies regarding leadership and management skills. With these jewels I am confident that I can handle and carry on the responsibility entrusted to me. Nevertheless, my expertise will not be of use when I am not exposing myself to the school system and its operation. To improve on this area I need to be observant to the operation in the school which includes the school rules, policies, obligations and responsibilities that I should take part in the development and betterment of the school as a whole. But then again, expertise and exposure will not be sufficient enough for me to consider myself ready to become an effective school leader. I still need experience which may be applicable in a lower level of authority for instance as a class adviser. As an adviser to the group of students, I am sure that I can consider myself as their leader with whom they will look up to. With the little knowledge that I already acquire now about leadership I recognize that I can practice my abilities and capabilities with them for me to improve and develop my leadership skills. Finally, I am looking forward that I may be an effective leader with the help and grace of God for I am confident that I can do nothing without God at all in my life.