THE HEART: THE ORGANIC PATHWAY TO EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Ever wondered why certain principals, educators and their schools stand out amongst others? Although there may be similarities in training, curriculum and funding?

The heart and intentions make  the difference. 

While educational leadership can be taught,learnt  and practiced,the issue of the heart as an organic pathway to leadership is a direct function of empathy, creativity , innovations, open mindedness, the need to improve, curiosity, the love of the work  and asking relevant questions.

These elements cannot be directly taught but can be learnt  and copied from other  challenging leaders, educators and principals whom you may have come across.

REDISCOVERING YOUR HEART:THE SOUL SEARCHING QUESTION, WHY?

The starting point of developing the heart of educational leadership is to reevaluate why you chose to be a  principal in the first place. This question unearths your motives as an educator, whether you are in it to make a difference or passionate about teaching, or the security the work affords, or perharps the lack of other options or even the financial reward and perks that comes along with job. Your whys are the starting points of impactful leadership. This enables you to acknowledge foundational reason for the lack of or minimal strides of exceptional leadership

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: ACCEPTING THAT THINGS NEED TO CHANGE.

Coming to the realisation that things need to change with regards to leadership and your school drives you to find solutions. Acknowledgement of the heart deficit component of leadership means you and your school  are now ready for a total mindshift and school transformation

LEARNING AND NETWORKING

Learning and Networking from other awesome school leaders is key to getting your mojo on as a school leader. You get inspired as you network with other school leaders either at conferences, seminars, joining their social media etc. You get to see , listen and ask questions on the ways of doing things. 

Take the recent ASCD Ghana International Educators Summit, for instance. I mingled with a host of savvy consultants and educational leaders, soaking up their innovative approaches and fresh insights. It was like a buffet of educational brilliance, with each conversation serving up new ways to make our schools shine. So, dive in, ask questions, listen, and let the magic of collaboration spark your own leadership journey!