Leadership Connectors- Support

Support is an essential element in the success of a school or company.  Support is a "transparent" factor that is evident in the work community or not.  When I think of support I think of loyalty and trust.  In order to have support or give support there has to be a level of dependency and trust. This was evident in the story about the new principal Mary.  She was able to provide teachers with support and an open, trusting relationship.  In return the teachers were loyal to her and worked hard to make the school a successful place.  

Support is similar to communication in that these are elements of working below the green line.  Good support and communication establishes buy-in and relationships, which are crucial in creating an effective work environment.  

Hensley and Burmeister explains that support comes in various forms- financial, material, physical, emotional, human and moral.  It was also addressed in this chapter that all of teachers' "needs" (in material items) must be addressed and met.  Medical supplies and other needs are addressed but education is not treated with the same level of urgency.  With the current state of budget, not all teachers' needs can be met.  It is important to share budget records and conditions with school staff so that everyone is aware of the financial situation.