servant leadership practices for the classroom. servant leadership personal character connecting...
TRANSCRIPT
Servant Leadership Practices
for the Classroom
Servant Leadership
Personal Character
Connecting with People
Service Attitude
Purpose
This professional development workshop is all about your personal growth as a leader and your mission to help others grow.
Servant Leadership involves: Inner Inspection Outward Action
Questions to Ask Yourself
What are my servant leadership strengths?
How can I strengthen them?
How can I pass them on to others?
Soar with Your Strengths(Clifton and Nelson)
Five Characteristics of a Strength:
Listen for Yearnings – a pull or attraction of one activity over another. Listen to the yearnings of others and watch out for “misyearnings.”
Watch for Satisfactions – activities we get a “kick out of doing.” These are not merely momentary pleasures, but form our intrinsic motivation.
Watch for Rapid Learning – catch on quickly – “I feel like I have always known how to do this.” Slow learning is evidence of a nonstrength.
Glimpses of Excellence - A performance is made up of a series of “moments” that can offer clues to a strength.
Total Performance of Excellence – A flow of behavior when there are no conscious steps in the mind of the performer.
Reflection
The ability to engage in reflection is the difference between an “okay” leader and a good or great leader.
Everything that happens has purpose and meaning.
We learn from our mistakes. Better yet, we learn from others’ mistakes.
If we do not reflect, we waste a growth opportunity.
Life changing, direction-changing, career changing revelations only come through deliberate, time-consuming, honest, and sometimes painful self-reflection.
Reflection can turn ordinary occurrences into life-changing events. We can do
this for ourselves and help others to grow through self-reflection.
“I believe each of us has two lives: the life we learn with and the life we live after that.”
Robert Redford, The Natural
Factor #1 Humility
1. How do you model a humble character for your students?
2. Where and when do you do your best meditating?
3. How do you teach your students to self-reflect?
4. Which values do you believe are the most important to pass on to your students?
5. How do you put the needs of the students first?
6. How do you praise students and lift their spirits?
7. How do you open yourself up to your students?
8. Who do you go to for professional advice?
9. What activities (outside of education) are you involved in that strengthen your humble character?
10. How do you put yourself in your students’ shoes (empathize with their situations)?
11. What are your rules on touching/hugging students?
12. How do you teach the “Golden Rule” in your classroom?
Who am I?
The first step in creating and maintaining a humble character is knowing who
you truly are…..
Lens Principle
Who you are determines what you see. Who you are determines how you see
others. Who you are determines how you view
life. Who you are determines what you do.
John Maxwell: Winning with People
Maxwell’s Winning with PeopleQuestions (p. 14)
Write a general philosophy statement about human nature and people in general.
“I believe that humankind is basically…..”
Winning with PeopleQuestions (p. 14)
Am I generally optimistic or pessimistic?
Which childhood experiences have molded me into what I am today?
Who will I be in five years?
What are some personal qualities I need to cultivate?
Awareness of Self
What do I value? To consider with respect to worth, excellence,
usefulness or importance
What are my Beliefs? What I hold to be true about something.
What are my Guiding Principles? Comprehensive guidance I want to follow in
translating beliefs into reality
Humble Character
Humility is the most difficult servant leadership trait to model for others
1. Absence of ego, jealousy, and self-promotion
2. Putting the needs of others first
3. Team membership (walk and talk)
4. Elevating and praising others
Characteristics of Tenderhearted Leadership
•Tenderhearted mercy (fair and caring)
•Kindness (considerate toward others)
•Humility (one of the team)
•Gentleness (peaceful, calm, soft-spoken)
•Patience (self-control)
Master vs. Servant Leader
Master Leadership Servant Leadership
“I make the decisions” “Together we will make the decisions”
“I know best” “Together, we do our best thinking”“My needs are most important” “I operate based on others’ needs”Employ fear and intimidation Cooperative and trusting atmosphere“Listen to me” “I will listen to you”“I have the vision” “We create the vision” “Do it my way or leave” Cooperative decision-makingKeep information a secret Share informationReactive ProactiveFocus on speaking/telling Focus on listening
Master Leadership Servant Leadership
Lectures DiscussesSeeks personal success Seeks success for others/teamSuperior HumbleTrusts self Trusts othersDelegates with hesitation Delegates with confidenceDraws strength from self Draws strength from God and
othersJudges others/ criticizes Helps others/ motivates“Gotcha” mentality Helps others grow/forgives mistakes Controls others Grants freedoms and allows
choices“I will do it for you” “I will help you”“Follow me” “Let’s move forward together”
Factor #2Serving Others
1. How do you demonstrate genuine love for students?
2. How do you stay in tune with your mission to serve students?
3. How do you nurture students?
4. How do you show your students that you have given them your heart?
5. How do you support your colleagues’ professional, personal and spiritual needs?
6. In what ways do you sacrifice for others?
7. How do you “refuel” yourself when you feel “burn-out” from serving others?
8. How do you consistently make decisions based upon others’ needs?
9. How do you heal students of emotional pain?
10. What do you do to serve your students’ parents?
11. How does your mission act as your motivator?
12. How does your mission act as your stress reliever?
“If you look around, you’ll discover that there are people in your life who want to be fed – with encouragement, recognition, security, and hope. That process is called nurturing, and it’s a need of every human being.”
John Maxwell, Becoming a Person of Influence
Nurturing leads to love and respect
Love and respect lead to loyalty
Loyalty leads to followers giving their best
Healing
Servant leaders are adept at healing others as well as themselves. They help make others whole by facilitating the healing of broken spirits. Servant leaders share with followers the search for wholeness.
The Pain Principle
There are many hurting people Those hurting people often hurt people
(trouble-makers) Those hurting people are often hurt by
people (high maintenance) Those hurting people often hurt themselves
John Maxwell: Winning with People
Helping People Who Are Hurting
Don’t take it personally look beyond the person for the problem
(find the pain) look beyond the situation do not add to their hurt help them find help
Mission of Service
“We detect rather than invent our missions in life.”
Victor Frankl: Man’s Search for Meaning
For teachers and administrators:
Mission is a motivator
Mission is a stress reliever
Writing a Personal Mission Statement for Serving Others
“A personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes a standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major, life-directing decisions, the basis for making daily decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives. It empowers individuals with the same timeless strength in the midst of change.”
Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
A personal mission statement moves one’s mission from the heart to the mind.
A personal mission statement describes: Who you want to be (character) What you want to do (contributions and
achievements) A personal mission statement reflects
uniqueness in content and form.
My Personal Mission Statement
I will strive to improve my servant leadership skills and expand my circle of influence in order to inform others of servant leadership. I will do this through constantly abiding by and striving to influence others to follow these three guiding principles: dignity, service and excellence.
Dignity I will always treat other in a dignified manner, and I will always maintain
my own dignity. I will be a source of joy and encouragement for everyone with whom I come in contact.
Service I will always seek to provide a service for others. I will strive to take
care of other people’s needs before my own. Excellence
I will seek continuous improvement in all areas of my life. I will not be happy with the status quo.
While reflecting upon your personal mission statement for service, think about the following questions: What are my “great dreams” for students?
What personal strengths do I have that will enable me to help make these dreams come true?
What are the guiding principles that will help support this mission?
“What is it you believe you do that makes a difference to other people and to
mankind?”
Clifton and Nelson, Soar with Your Strengths
Factor #3Courageous Leadership
(Integrity and Authenticity)
How do you use self-reflection as a tool for personal growth? How do you identify your strengths and non-strengths? How do you consciously exhibit high moral character for your
students? What principles guide your everyday thoughts and actions? How do you constantly remind yourself of these “guiding principles?” How do you build a purposeful reputation with students? How do you build a purposeful reputation with colleagues? How do you let go of the frustrations that can build up from the job? How do you keep from breaking promises and commitments? How do you avoid double standards?
Factor #3Courageous Leadership
(Integrity and Authenticity)
11. How do you go about admitting to mistakes and asking for forgiveness?
12. How do you protect students and tend to their fears in the classroom?
13. How do you protect your students outside of your classroom?14. How do you utilize confrontations to grow professionally?15. How do you react to negative attitudes from colleagues?16. What do you do to stand up to adversity in school? 17. How do you ensure that you stay in control of your emotions?18. How do you teach self-control and self-responsibility to your
students?19. How do you utilize the power of forgiveness in your classroom?20. How do you determine when it is acceptable to bend the rules?
Integrity
“Character is made in the small
moments of our lives.”
Phillips Books (19th Century Clergyman)
The Big 8 Qualities of Integrity
1. Model consistency of character2. Employ honest communication3. Value transparency (admit to weaknesses)4. Exemplify humility (no ego)5. Demonstrate your support for others6. Fulfill your promises7. Embrace an attitude of service8. Encourage two-way participation with the
people you influence
John Maxwell: Becoming a Person of Influence
Integrity Killers
Breaking promises and commitments Dishonesty Loss of Self-control (temptations and/or
adversity) Exhibiting Double Standards Inconsistency or Mixed Signals Breaking Confidentiality Others……………
Authenticity
Admit Mistakes
Ask for Forgiveness
Be Genuine
Fear
Fear keeps people from doing their best
Ryan: Driving Fear out of the Workplace
Building Relationships without Fear
Be willing to make personal changes Be vigilant – be alert to daily workings that
cause fear Acknowledge the Presence of Fear Pay Attention to Interpersonal Conduct Value Criticism – Reward the Messenger Discuss the Undiscussables Collaborate on Decisions
Factor #4Visionary Leadership
1. What is your “great dream” for your students?
2. How do you focus on seeing the big picture (beyond your classroom)?
3. How do you reconcile standardized testing with what is best for students?
4. How do you learn lessons from the past, focus on the realities of the present, and predict consequences of decisions for the future?
5. How do you provide direction and purpose for your students’ futures?
6. How do you rescue students who are lost?
7. How do you maintain focused on what is most important for students as you set goals and plan for your classroom?
8. How do you promote the “bottom line” of what is best for students?
Conceptualization
Dreaming Great Dreams
Examining Others’ Perspectives
Seeing the Big Picture
Reflecting on the Organization Beyond Day-to-Day Issues (Beware of Tunnel Vision)
Vision
When plotting the course, give attention to three areas: Where they need to go What they need to know How they need to grow
If we use our vision, we can help others create their best future.
Factor #5Empowering and Developing Others
1. How do you connect and establish a personal relationship with each student?
2. How do you express high expectations to your students?3. How do you empower students in the classroom?4. How do you empower your colleagues?5. How do you hold students accountable? 6. How do you “cast a vision” for each student’s future?7. How do you address students’ character flaws?8. How do you identify your students’ strengths and strengthen them?9. How to you teach students to hold themselves accountable?10. When and how do you give advice to others?11. How do you focus on students’ emotional and spiritual needs?12. What do you do to mentor new teachers?13. How do you pass on your strengths to your colleagues?
How to Empower and Develop Others
Enlarging Process1. See their potential
2. Cast a vision for their future
3. Tap into their passion
4. Address character flaws
5. Focus on their strengths
Maxwell: Becoming a Person of Influence
Factor #6Open/Participatory Leadership
1. How do you listen to and empathize with students?
2. How do you promote kindness, honesty, and openness in all interactions?
3. How do you share decision-making with your students?
4. How do you stay visible and accessible to students?
5. How do you build teams and a sense of community with your students?
6. How do you collaborate and learn with your colleagues?
7. In what way do you initiate “crucial” conversations at your school?
8. How do you show “tough love” in confrontations with your students?
9. How does technology improve your relationships and communications with your students?
Promoting Kindness, Trust, Honesty, and Openness in
all Interactions
The Value of Listening
Listening Shows Respect Listening Builds Relationships Listening Increases Knowledge Listening Generates Ideas Listening Builds Loyalty Listening is a Great Way to Help Others and
Yourself
Maxwell: Becoming a Person of Influence
High Standards for Behavior
What to think before speaking…
T Is it true”H Is it helpful?I Is it inspiring?N Is it necessary?K Is it kind?
The Bob Principle
What is a Crucial Conversation?
1. Opinions vary
2. Stakes are high
3. Emotions run strong
What crucial conversations need to happen at my school/district?
Kerry Patterson: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High
Conducting Crucial Conversations
We have to develop the tools that make it safe for us to discuss these issues and to come to a shared pool of meaning.
People who are gifted at dialogue keep a constant vigil on safety.
When it is safe, people can say anything.
As people begin to feel unsafe, they start down one of two unhealthy paths. They either move to:
silence Masking (sarcasm or sugarcoating) Avoiding (steer away from sensitive subjects) Withdrawing (pull out of conversation)
violence Controlling (coercing others) Labeling (dismiss others’ opinions through stereotyping) Attacking (belittling and threatening)
Make it safe: discuss mutual purpose and mutual respect
Five distinct skills that can help you talk about the most sensitive topics
(STATE)
1. Share your facts (facts are the least controversial, most persuasive, and least insulting)
2. Tell your story (your interpretation of the facts and how you feel) Be sure to avoid victim (it’s not my fault), villain (it’s all your fault), and helpless (there’s nothing else I can do) stories.
3. Ask for others’ paths (facts, stories and feelings)
4. Talk tentatively. Tell your story as a story rather than disguising it as a fact.
5. Encourage testing(invite opposing views and mean it – make it safe to do so)
Moving to Action
Decide how to decide: command decision consult decision vote reach consensus
Making Assignments: Who? Does what? By when? How will you follow up?
Confrontations
The 10 Commandments of Confrontation1. Do it privately, not publicly.2. Do it as soon as possible.3. Speak to one issue at a time.4. Once you’ve made a point, don’t keep repeating it.5. Deal only with actions the person can change.6. Avoid sarcasm.7. Avoid words like always and never.8. Present criticisms as suggestions or questions if possible.9. Don’t apologize for the confrontational meeting.10. Don’t forget the compliments.
Maxwell’s Developing the Leader within You
The Approachability Principle
Seven Ways to put people at ease1. Personal warmth – truly like people2. Appreciation for the differences in people3. Consistency of mood4. Sensitivity toward people’s feelings5. Understanding of human weaknesses and
exposure of their own6. Ability to forgive easily and quickly ask for
forgiveness7. Authenticity
Fourteen Ways a Teacher “Bends Down” to Show Love for Students
1. Smile at them2. Stop and spend time with them3. Laugh with them4. Talk to them5. Listen to them6. Ask about them and their family7. Work with them8. Respect them; ask for their opinions9. Care about them10. Touch them11. Encourage them12. Challenge them13. Protect them14. Praise them
The Bedrock Principle
Trust begins with yourself Trust cannot be compartmentalized (all
aspects of life) Trust works like a bank account
You cannot just say, “trust me.” Trust is earned/restored through deeds – not
words.
John Maxwell: Winning with People
Factor #7Inspiring Leadership
1. How do you use persuasion power over position power?
2. How do you get your students to like as well as respect you?
3. How do you get your students to embrace your vision and mission?
4. What do you do to have fun with your students?
5. How do you keep a positive attitude and encourage others to stay positive?
6. How do you maintain a sense of adventure in your classroom?
7. How do you build trust among your students and between you and your students?
8. How do you build positive culture in your classroom?
9. How do you gain the loyalty of students?
10. How do you encourage others and exhibit faith in them?
11. How do you demonstrate your appreciation for your colleagues?
12. How do you celebrate with your students and recognize their successes?
13. How do you inspire students to envision and achieve their best possible future?
Influencing Others
Vision + Courageous Leadership = Inspiring Leadership
“Power is created when individuals perceive that their leaders are honorable, so they trust them, are inspired by them, believe deeply In the goals communicated by them, and desire to be led.”
Stephen Covey, Principle-Centered Leadership
Law of Influence
Leadership is influence Leaders do not possess influence in
every area Our influence is either positive or
negative Faithful leaders use their influence to
add value With influence comes responsibility
A person of Influence…..
has integrity with people nurtures other people has faith in people listens to people understands people enlarges people navigates for other people (vision) connects with people empowers people reproduces other influencers (grows leaders)
Maxwell: Becoming a Person of Influence
Respect vs. Like
“I respect my boss” vs. “I like my boss”
“I would rather be respected than liked”
Is it possible to do/be both?
