Friday, November 25, 2011

Grateful For... Ladies in Leadership

Leadership qualities...
Leadership potential...
Effective leadership...
Commitment to leadership...

These have all been 'buzz' words for me in recent weeks as I prepare my students for their school captaincy nominations and elections.


Make no mistake.
It's serious business, this ten year old political arena.

It has been an interesting process for me to be involved in after so long with my babies in the early years.
A time to reflect on my own suitability as a leader (or to the contrary) and to be amused at how my burning leadership aspirations dissipated around the time contraception ceased to exist in my world!!
It has provided a springboard to appreciate the leaders I am privileged enough to follow and collaborate with in my roles at work
(the 'mostly paid in monetary value' variety of work, that is).

Earlier this year I was deeply saddened, and almost distressed, to bid a retirement farewell to my boss. He had been a brilliant mentor and friend of mine for the past six years. He is an amazing individual and educator who has left a huge mark on me professionally and personally.

But with the winds of change came two strong, warm and beautiful women, whose direction and guidance I have loved working under this semester. Both of these women have been exceptional leaders. confidantes, colleagues and role models. They've supported me through some tough decision making, helped me navigate complicated too-serious-for-this-poor-child issues and offered valuable insight when I've needed another perspective. They've been generous with feedback, acknowledgment and encouragement. They've asked personal and engaging questions - and genuinely cared to hear the answers. They've also accommodated (and possibly even nurtured!) my tendency to be a tad sooky and become a tad too attached to my students or their families.

This week I'm grateful for leadership that transcends 'being the bossy boss boss' and embodies so much more. Leaders that don't just inspire you to follow, but to forge a new path with them.

Linking up with Maxabella Loves' Grateful For... 
Pop over to enjoy some weekend gratitude.
I'll lead the way, shall I?!

Shar :-)



8 comments:

Kate @ Our Little Sins said...

It's hard losing a good boss but so glad it worked out so swimmingly for you. Good chicks are worth their weight!

Had to giggle - any semblance of ambition or aspiration fled with pregnancy. I wonder whether it comes back when they're older? Meh, not fussed if it doesn't!

Happy weekend Shar, hope it's lovely x

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

We are losing lots of the fantastic teachers from our gorgeous primary school, they have been there, together, teaching as a group for ages & now retiring. I have already begged some to come back, co-teach, MY children. They are too amazing. I adore the principal of my little ones' primary school & the big ones' high school, amazing women, leaders, mothers, teachers!! Love Posie

Megan Blandford said...

Good luck to your kids with their political aspirations!

A great leader is so valuable.

Tara @ Mum-ments said...

A good "boss" is hard to come by these days I've had a few come and go and each one has left me with something new :) That to me means they have succeeded in their job
xxx

Life Love and Hiccups said...

A good boss stays in you heart and mind forever and sets the bar for ever more.
A true leader is just like you are to the kids you t each - you inspire and encourage greatness :) xx

Sweaty said...

It's nice to read a post about appreciation for ladies in leadership, Shar! I think they deserve more recognition. You're very lucky to have bosses that are mentors and counselors more than they are 'bossy.' It really makes a whole lot of difference, doesn't it?

Tat @ Mum in search said...

I've had both kinds of bosses - the bossy ones, and the true leaders. The bossy ones - I can't even remember their names any more. And the true leaders I've learned so much from and I'm grateful for having them in my life.

Maxabella said...

That's true leadership and you are so lucky to have them! The 'leadership' at my work is all bossy boss political-wrangling bossing. Drives me nuts. They have no idea how to get the best out of people so no wonder they all have to do so much wrangling.

ANYWAY, I digress. Cheers to always remaining attached and a tad sooky!x