Are you a Positive Influencer?
Author: Sara Delgado, PhD
“On a scale of 1-10, how much of positive influence are YOU as a leader?”
As educators, there are many instances in which we are charged with teaching children more than just reading, writing, and math. Often we are faced with situations that provide us the amazing opportunity to teach kids about life, about being a good friend, and about being a positive influence on the people around them. One of the best ways to teach soft skills like these is through modeling.
I would bet, however, that we have witnessed on a personal and professional level adults who are not modeling these exact behaviors that we teach our children. These experiences lead us to wonder why adults, at times, do not hold themselves the same moral standards that we expect from and teach our children on a daily basis. As I was discussing this dilemma with a mentor and colleague, Dan Hickey, (@hickeygroup) the discussion led to one about positivity.
He posed a question to me that caused me to pause and REALLY reflect. He asked me: "On a scale of 1-10, how much of positive influence are YOU as a leader?"
This question is actually applicable to all facets of life: at home, work, in the classroom, with spouses, friends, colleagues, etc. As I continue to reflect on this question, I really believe that if this were the focus of ALL of our relationships, they would have the potential to be more reflective, more productive, and more positive.
When focusing on the power of positivity in schools, it becomes apparent that a teacher could be the most technically perfect teacher in a school building, but without exerting a positive influence on students and colleagues, that teacher's potential to influence those around her is not fully realized.
Going forward, therefore, I challenge all school leaders when reflecting on their staffs’ performance, to not only focus on the technical aspects of teaching, but to also consider their positive influence on those around them: children, colleagues, and families. Then, to be a truly transformational leader, turn that question around onto yourself.
It is easy to get sucked into the technical day-to-day aspects of teaching and leading, however, unless educators are formally reflecting on their influence and how it is being used, they will never fully reach their true potential.