Missouri LDS October 5, 2018
Dr. Jim Masters Continues to "Unpack" MLDS
Missouri Leadership Developing System... "Unpacking the MLDS Relational Leadership"
October 5, 2018
Stay in a given profession long enough and eventually some fundamental piece of knowledge works its way into practice to such a degree that it is almost taken for granted, yet realizing the full benefit of that insight requires constant awareness and intentional cultivation. For novice leaders and seasoned veterans alike, the power and influence of relationships require more than a passing familiarity. In the absence of productive relationships, the chances for success are significantly diminished, if not impossible.
Relational leadership, as one of the five domains of the Missouri Leadership Development System, defines the Relational Leader as someone who interacts professionally with students, staff, parents, and community. Yet, this framework is deceptively simple as it speaks to the complex and organic nature of human relations. The extent to which this common thread runs through the learning experiences of the MLDS is, upon quick review, plainly evident.
Within Critical Firsts, the ability to effectively establish credibility and demonstrate competence early is essential to creating the momentum necessary to move groups to productive ends. The development of excellent instruction requires skillful communication that will encourage growth and improvement. Such conversations do not happen in a context where common goals and mutual respect do not exist. Further, effective leaders possess not only a keen sense of their priorities and personal motivations, but they also maintain a persistent curiosity and enthusiasm about the hopes, fears, goals, and preferences of those they serve.
Even within the realm of decision making, relationships loom large. Leaders, through the decisions they make, have significant power over the quality of people’s lives. Within this context, trust is extended only to those seen as trustworthy. The extent to which a leader’s decisions are seen as ethical and moral will promote the sense of integrity and transparency so essential in shaping school culture.
As schools labor to design and implement meaningful and productive change, the trust and collaboration necessary to navigate policy, tradition, and current practice calls upon bringing out the best of all involved. No easy task if a strong sense of community and commitment are lacking. It is within this fishbowl of activity that the ability to harness the capacities of every student, teacher and parent require the presence of well-established positive relationships.
Creating powerful and productive relationships does not happen by accident. Effective leaders not only understand the importance of this essential component, but they are also intentional in their efforts to cultivate the kinds of relationships that bring opportunity to the students they serve.
There is little argument about the essential nature of productive relationships in sustaining successful schools. For all of the discussion about the factors that make successful schools possible, relationships provide the glue that holds it all together. Learning to capitalize on the time, talent, effort, and resources of a school community can be done through trial and error or it can be accomplished by developing the dispositions, knowledge, and skills available through participation in the MLDS.
Taking the time to network with colleagues and the leadership development specialist in your local RPDC offers the opportunity to grow your leadership capacity. It is one thing to be focused on the learning of those you serve, however, sustained, effective leadership, also requires that you attend to your own professional growth as well. Call your leadership development specialist today and find out what being a lead learner can do for your practice.
Please accept this as an invitation to elevate your leadership practice by contacting the leadership development specialist at your regional professional development center.