Week 3: Individual Reflection Log

• How has what you've learned so far in this course shaped your concept of an effective leader?
• Based on what you've learned so far, what are the top 3-5 characteristics you believe a successful principal must possess?

This course has helped me to further define my definition of a leader. I have always had my thoughts of what a leader should look like but now I can give it a title, “Authentic Leadership”.

For the last few years I have worked with a friend who has always pushed me to be more than I thought I could be. Val has always had faith and trust in me even when I had no idea what I was doing. She is as authentic as they come. As a result of her constantly pushing me, I have developed confidence and self esteem. She has empowered me the way she does every teacher she comes in contact with. As a result, I would support and trust this leader even if I didn’t whole heartedly agree with her. Her integrity has instilled a faith in me, I trust her implicitly and never worry about taking risks when she is involved. I know that she always has my back. Val is the type of leader who takes on the unheroic side of leadership with as much gusto as she does the rest of her job, she never gets in her own way and always actively listens to all opinions. She passionately believes in what’s best for the students and always works to come to a consensus. Val is the embodiment of an effective leader. I would like to say that Val is my boss, but the truth is that she is our curricular lead and my office mate. The fact that she can inspire that kind of loyalty while not in a leadership titled job leads me to believe that she would be an excellent administrator.
My top characteristics for a principal as defined by my readings and research are:

1) Trust
2) Integrity/Values/Morals
3) Visionary/Inspirational
4) Savvy
5) Passion/Compassion

The number one component for a successful principal is trust. Trust is the bedrock on which most of these characteristics are built on. "Innovation can not live without trust, but it needs more than that - it needs confidence" (Fullan, 136) No truer words have been spoken. Confidence is inspired through integrity, morals, values and savvy. Passion and vision invoke trust. All of these characteristics go hand in hand and I believe that is what makes up a successful principal.