Monday Moanin Thoughts #21, Great Leaders Grow Part 2

Happy March, this week I continue to discuss my takeaways from Great Leaders Grow by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller. Last week I shared  ideas from the first letter of the acronym GROW. Be reminded that the  main theme of the book is that leaders have to be wiling to GROW. Blanchard and Miller write that great leaders make a choice to Grow in four areas. The first letter G is for gaining knowledge. The next letter in GROW, R is for reaching out.

As a principal and leader it is may always feel that  you are  always extending to others.  Reaching out  to others is more than extending ourselves. Blanchard and Miller suggest that it is essential that leaders be proactive in helping others grow. Ask yourself the question, How do I help others GROW? As I reflect on my practice, I thought it was critical to be well planned for staff meetings and professional development days. I was mentored to view those meetings as my classroom and to design effective lessons for them.  It was my time to teach and facilitate. The authors reinforce what my mentor shared with me. Blanchard and Miller write:

It is important to realize that teaching isn’t just about sharing information. It’s also about helping people draw out new learnings for themselves by the questions you ask. As a leader your role is to teach both by sharing information as well as by asking probing questions. Every interaction with your team can offer an opportunity to teach.

It takes planning , energy and focus to reach out to others. Among the many challenges on your plate, this is one that can’t be minimized. Reaching out and helping your staff grow is a great service to them and  ultimately their students.

Over the next week lets all challenge ourselves to focus on teaching and asking the right questions. Lets get to work!

Quote of the week:

Anytime you influence  the thinking, beliefs, or development of another person, you’re engaging in leadership. Blanchard and Miller