Leadership Connectors- Putting in All Together

This was one of the best books I have read in the program. I thought the text was relatable and easy to ready.  Leadership Connectors provided me with lots of insight and great suggestions.  Hensley and Burmeister does an excellent job illustrating how each element is linked and how things can go astray if even one of the pieces is missing/ not functioning.

I really enjoyed the last chapter, it was a touching and simple way to tie all the connectors.  I especially enjoyed reading Jeff's journey as the final note of the book.  His story explained the importance of relationships and the difference that one person can make on the lives of many. Jeff's story made me realize that we all make mistake, but it is how we react to it that makes us who we are as people, friends, colleagues, and leaders.   

I would highly recommend this book to other colleagues.  I give this book "5 stars".  :)

October Face-to-Face Class

Last week was a crazy busy week, with all the school activities, meeting, and our Masters class meetings.  Last Friday and Saturday the Clovis, Visalia, Tulare and Sanger cohorts meet at North Center for our two-day class session.  It was long, but I definitely gain new insights and knowledge.  My brain was beyond full after leaving class!

Friday night Roberta Rowe from Lozano Smith presented on student and labor matters that pertained to educational law.   There were discussions of search and seizure procedures and investigation protocol.  Roberta did an amazing job describing each section of her PowerPoint with examples from past cases.  I learned that it is difficult to determine the end result of a situation, and that the end result varies from situation to situation.  It was interesting seeing a different version of the FRISK model- BRICK.  The most important element in determining the end result of a situation/case is the documentation.  As Roberta stated, "if it is not written down, it did not happen".  Given all the scenarios that Roberta describe regarding bullying, I am glad that I teach elementary.  I can't image the difficulty with dealing with cyberbulling on top of all the other bullying that occurs at school.  

I was unable to attend class on Saturday due to a wedding in San Francisco.  As fate would have it I was greatly penalized for missing class.  I got a few mosquito bites, one of them the size of an Uncrustable sandwich. :( My make up assignment is TBD and I am scared.  Bright note, time is certainly flying my quickly this semester! 

Leadership Connectors- Trust

 A wise leader broadens her own narrow space in life, letting others in, while searching for the universal dimensions of her school. 

-Hensley and Burmeister

Finally we come to the conclusion of Leadership Connectors and reached the final connector-trust.  Trust is the most important element of any relationship , especially one that is healthy, fully functioning.  Trust is a leadership connector that takes considerable time and effort to establish.  At the same time is one that quickly lost with decent and lack of honestly.  In order for trust to occur all other elements of leadership connectors have to be in place- communication, support, safety, competence, and continuous renewal.  

Some key learnings from this chapter are:

• Establish trust through establishing respect for all (not liking)
• Say what you mean and definitely mean what you say.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.  
• Don't engage in gossip
• Refrain from complaining, be positive.  
• Own up to your work- if you make a mistake, own it.  

This chapter on trust reminded me the book, The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey and the four core values of trust- integrity, intent, capabilities, and results.  Trust is definitely a value that takes time to establish.  Trust is often described as a bank account, where deposits have to occur prior to taking withdrawals.  However, once trust is lost it is extremely difficult to reestablish.  So make large deposits! 

Leadership Connectors- Continuous Renewal

I greatly enjoyed this chapter of Leadership Connectors on Continuous Renewal. I appreciated the direct statements and suggestions regarding priorities, health and emotions, especially the statement, "thriving, not just surviving".  I can honestly say that is is tough finding balance between work, masters work, and home life is tough right now.  I recognize that I am "out of balance" yet I can't seem to find the hours in the day to do all the things that to be done.


Hensley and Burmeister addressed some helpful tips in ensuring continuous renewal as an educational leader.  They addressed the importance of constant reflection, addressing/identifying emotions, finding balance, and valuing one's health.  All of these aspects are obvious strategies in helping with one's "renewal", but is often forgotten simply because of overwhelming schedules and priorities.  


An aspect that I especially need to work on is finding balance between work, school, and home life.  Right now teaching and the masters program is my life and are my BIG priorities. It is so tough with teaching a new grade level this year, the final semester of the masters program, and having a husband that is also an educator (we spend our "together" time grading papers/doing work).  Life will certainly be easier in December (when the school/classwork is done).  Until then I will have to continue to schedule/plan all of my events and just take it day by day-being sure to reflect on how to be more efficient and effective.  Also, I am certain that the addition of Baby Okada will help my shift my priorities in life in April. :) 

Leadership Connectors- Competence

Competence is continual learning and growth- 

"It is at the point where what we already know slips into what we do not know that the learning occurs." 

Hensley and Burmeister's chapter on competence is probably one of my favorites so far.  I especially enjoyed this chapter because competence encompasses the previous connectors- communication, support, and safety.  In order to be a competent leader it is essential to have the previous connectors in place.  The list of reflective tools are helpful in paving the path to competency as an instructional leader. 

The section (in the list of reflection tools), Organization and Prioritization was extremely eye opening and well stated.  I love the comparison between being an orchestrator or manipulator.  The conductor leads the orchestra by bringing cohesion and unity to a variety of musical instruments.  The most profounding part was that the conductor doesn't know how to play every instrument, but trusts the knowledge of his team.

As an instructional leader it crucial to empower teachers and build capacity.  However, it is easier said than done, "Gaining competence as a leader is not as clear-cut as gaining competence as a teacher (p. 84)."  When I think of building capacity or self-efficacy at the work place I think back to the Drive video.  Extrinsic motivation only promotes behavior for a short time before it becomes stagnate.  

As a young future instructional leader I have fears of being incompetent.  I know that it is necessary to work below the green line and establish relationships to build trust and support in order to have the school site work towards a common vision and goal.  At the same time it is important to be open and transparent in my knowledge and ability.  I definitely will not be scared to admit that "I don't know and I will find out for you".