Response to Post 3.1 “Strategic Leadership Teams” by Change Makers || ET2

Hi Stella!

Thanks for the post!

I think your school has been given a challenge yet a blessing at the same time. Although your team may face challenges at times because there has been so much change within the team, I think it is neat to have a team that is made up of people who have such a variety of skills, background knowledge and experience. The openness to new ideas allows for exciting and innovating ideas to be implemented, thus creating a more engaging and exciting experience for the students! In a team that is inexperienced and still learning, effective communication is key. Lepsinger (2010) tells us “studies have shown that other forms of interpersonal communication like listening and feedback are also ways leaders communicate expectations” (Lepsinger 2010, p 48). Another key that I believe will play a huge role in the success of your team comes from Senge’s 5 systems model and is creating a team learning environment. “The working environment should be safe where honest mistakes are forgiven. Otherwise, no learning can be experienced. I can see that this team learning environment is well underway in your school. For you to be able to discuss a difficult subject matter, and feel safe in doing so, shows that your team values trust. Lepsinger (2010) tells us, “there are opportunities to build mutual respect and trust that will provide the basis for a cooperative working relationship. The emotional ties you create will make it easier to gain the cooperation of people on whom you rely to get the work done.” (Lepsinger, 2010, p. 54). If members of your team communicate effectively and feel that they are in a safe learning environment, the will feel more respected, confident, valued and have a higher self-esteem. (Lepsinger 2010). If a member of the team does happen to mistake, they will be more open and less defensive to feedback for improvement.

I agree with what you write about how important it is to have a team of people who work together to run an organization. A team cannot operate efficiently or effectively if they do not share in the same vision.

Great post! Sounds like you have a really great team!

References

Lepsinger  R. (2010) Closing the Execution Gap. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Zeeman, A. (2017). Senge’s Five Disciplines of Learning Organizations. Retrieved from ToolsHero: https://www.toolshero.com/management/five-disciplines-learning-organizations/