We've survived the first week back after the Christmas Craziness and are slowly getting back into routines, getting into our curriculum and tackling the jobs we put off until after Christmas. This past year has been busy and full of changes for me- maternity leave, new baby, lots of family time, Master's coursework to complete and juggling all the tasks of a working mom, to name a few! As a teacher, I feel like there are three "New Years" in a year: The real one, Summer break and heading back to class in August. These are times where I naturally become more reflective of my practice and become really mindful about my goals and planning for the upcoming months. With a new calendar year upon us, I have felt the need to re-evaluate where I am going and how I plan to get there. Already completing my professional growth plans was step one and continues to drive my year, but now I am looking at making some changes that will help to support these goals, as well as assist me in becoming a happier, more effective, more inspiring (or inspired) leader. The past year has caused me to become more Brave and go beyond my comfort zone in many ways; it often felt like I was sinking, but somehow I managed to keep my head above water and adapt. I have realized through this that I am really trying to find my balance as a mother, wife, teacher and leader so that I can better serve those around me, but also to maintain my own sanity! So I am forging ahead at work and challenging myself to also become a Braver Leader. For me, Brave Leadership is going to look like proposing new ideas, focusing on instructional leadership and feeling more confident to have those "Tough Conversations" with staff, parents and sometimes students, even if it means that it feels uncomfortable or is unpopular. It also looks like setting boundaries for myself at work and home and being brave in enforcing them. "No" is something I will need to learn to feel more comfortable with, but also empowering others to be advocates for their own ideas and supporting them to be brave in offering up ideas and organizing initiatives. Clearly, Brave leadership for me is going to include some faking it till I make it! But I think in the end by stepping back slightly and risking not always having a "yes" answer for everyone, I can challenge others to step up and become braver leaders too! One of the resources I plan to check out to support my growth is Brene Brown's website Brave Leaders Inc. as well as her latest work Braving the Wilderness. Looking forward to hearing how you Challenge Yourself to Be Brave in Education!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJolene Becker, Wife, Mother, Educator, Principal. My views are my own. Archives
November 2018
Categories |