Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership engages everyone in the discussion of how work is done and how it is measured. It inspires everyone to rethink, renew and recommit to the organization’s vision. Transformational leadership is proactive. It sees beyond immediate issues to espouse a long-term vision for new growth, effectiveness and success. The question asked is not “What’s the next challenge on the ground?” but “What’s the next opportunity on the horizon?” Transformational leadership connects with stakeholders across all levels and inspires them to rise above self-interest, tapping into ideals everyone can embrace. It provides opportunities for professional growth and advancement so that everyone is engaged in working for the greater collective good.

Public education is ripe for transformational leadership. In the current national dialog, public figures acknowledge the existing model is not working and ask, “How do we solve the challenges we see on the ground?” As leaders in education, we need to push the dialog to a more proactive question: “What are education’s opportunities to help all children thrive, grow and be successful moving forward?” Take the opportunity to develop your transformational leadership this week at the Symposium. In particular, take advantage of the fabulous Christina Parsons Bentheim's "How to Lead as an Agent of Change: 21st Century Skills in Motion" wiki at at http://k12agentsofchange.pbworks.com/.