Derek L. McCoy

I came across this infographic in a recent post from Forbes, ‘30 Outdated Leadership Practices Holding Your Company Back.’

I’ve taken steps over the years to build my PLN to be a progressive network committed to effecting good change in leadership structure, school and learning design and our collective approach to education. I still look forward to learning and change from the group think.

When I read this today, my thoughts mainly shifted on the teachers in my school. I often reflect on my practices and thoughts when I read new information like this but this made me think of the culture and ‘mindset’ of the teachers in my school building. I came up with these observations:

• Does veteran staff feel comfortable working in a collaborative culture as opposed to the ‘strong leader’;
• Finding ways to say yes or create some flexibility in situations when people are accustomed to getting quick answers can be off-putting;
• Considering our work as a journey and not a destination doesn’t bode well for people who live in the black and white;
• Some people prefer a leader with strong control vs a leader using influence;
• Everyone can be upset when the status quo is changed and innovations are embraced.

It not enough that school leaders are willing to change, we have to have the support and best interest of our staffs in mind.

What do you do to support staff members during this shift? Please add your thoughts below.