Characteristics of Technology Leaders and Online Learning CommunitiesWe want our kids, our students to be innovative leaders but are we? Are we ready to get out of our comfort zone, set an example for them, and lead the way? Albert Einstein once said, “example isn't another way to teach, it is the only way to teach”. As teachers, coaches and administrators we have to “walk the talk” and set an example for our kids and students who are looking up to us. “Not only do we need to ‘think’ differently’ but we need to ‘act’ different” (Couros, 2014). In other words, thinking about change is not enough. We need to embody the change we want to see in the world. “For leaders to be effective in changing a school or an organization, they need to change themselves first” (Couros, 2014). This is not easily done, it forces us to face some of our fears and more importantly to get out of our comfort zone. But what does innovative leadership look like? According to Couros, there are 8 characteristics that are embodied by innovative leaders. first, we need to be visionary, we need to have a “powerful vision” but also, we need to be able to communicate that vision and break it down into smaller steps to make it happen (2014). Secondly, we need to be empathic, meaning that we need to understand the needs of the people we lead. For instance, by being respectful of other people’s time, we can replace part of a meeting by an email. “Is having a shorter meeting innovative? No. But trying to put yourself in the place of those that you serve is where innovation begins” (2014). Third, we need to model learning ourselves, we need to stay informed and gain new perspectives, by reading books and blogs, watching videos, listening to podcasts attending conferences, etc. because, “we rarely create something different until we experience something different” (2014). Fourthly, we need to be open risk takers, it is not enough to say that we take risks, if we want to create an innovative culture we must make ourselves vulnerable and be ready to openly model it by trying something new (2014). Fifth, we need to be networked, we need to be able to reach out and see how things are done elsewhere and get inspired by these new ideas to improve our own (2014). Sixth, we need to be observant, we need to see what works not only within our school, in other schools but also in other industries, then we can think of new innovative ways to improve our own practices (2014). Seventh, we need to be team builders, we need to foster divergent thinking and surround ourselves with people who will challenge us to think further (2014). Finally, we need to always focus on relationships, I strongly believe that, “When people know they are valued and safe in trying new things, they are more likely to do something better” (2014). References:
Couros, G. (2014). 8 Characteristics of the Innovative Leader. [Blog]. Retrieved from https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/4811
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