Chasity
PCL Characteristics
Continually Learning
In society today this world is continually changing and it is necessary to continue to seek knowledge to learn what is necessary to keep up with this changing society. As an individual who opens myself up to ideas and learn from others I am aware it is necessary to get along with others to become a successful individual in society. I will give an example back when the pandemic hit the entire world had to change from their usual way of doing things. This means teachers had to search for new ways to reach our students and technology was the way. Some teachers had some experience with technology and some did not. The key was teachers had to learn to be creative to interest students remotely for implementing various instructional strategies for success. Many professionals decided to leave their profession because they were required to learn various techniques and strategies to reach all students.
Principle-Centered Leadership: Service-Oriented
Listening to Rita Pierson she spoke about how her mother who was also an educator would bring her children snacks. She would do this because many of the children would be hungry and she cared about their well-being. Children are aware of individuals who show children sincere caring and love. Children tend to try their hardest when they know an individual has love for them. Educators must be willing to go the extra mile to be a servant for the guidance of others. You must be willing to be a servant for others in order to make a difference in this world.
Radiate Positive Energy
When the pandemic hit the entire world it caused individuals to be become depressed and were reluctant because this was something we all were not used to. The pandemic allowed us to seek ways to lift themselves and others up instead of lingering on all of the bad things which may have happened. Everything happens for a reason and the pandemic allowed all of us to seek ways to learn and remain safe. The pandemic allowed individuals to search new trends and activities to provide the knowledge for students to be successful. It is necessary to be the energy for others when they don’t have any and providing positive communication to lift others rather than communicating negative energy to bring individuals down.
Believe in Other People
It is necessary to have faith in others and offer encouragement to others when they have lost hope in themselves. When teachers feel they cannot do a task I always say yes you can we will work together to complete this task. It is necessary to form positive relationships in the work place and believe in your fellow co-workers that all of us will work and learn together to meet the new and challenging tasks that are required for the success of all.
Authentic Leadership
As an authentic leader I look for positive qualities in others rather than looking for bad qualities. I am a team player and even if it is something I may not want completely but if this is what the team wants to do I am in whole heartily. Any organization cannot be successful if some individuals are going in one direction and others are going in another direction. In order for the organization to be successful everyone needs to be on one accord for the success of the entire organization to occur.
Building Relationships
The Ted Talk video where Rita Pierson discusses the value of human relationships and connections. She discussed how important it is for students to believe in you and like you in order for them to learn. If a teacher doesn’t like a student and tells the student they don’t like them, this is something that will stick with the student and they will not forget it. One teacher can make a difference in a child’s life either negatively or positively. When a student knows the teacher cares nothing about him or her they will not try to do anything. However, when a student believes you care about them they tend to learn more effectively. Every child deserves to have an adult they can look up to and be a champion who will never give up on them and understands the power of connections and insists they become the best they can be for successful outcomes (Ted Talk Video).
Jennifer
Personal Experience Demonstrating PCL Characteristic: Integrity
In my previous role, I was involved in a project aimed at launching a new product line. This project was pivotal for our team and the organization as a whole, as it represented an opportunity for growth and expansion. From the outset, it was evident that maintaining integrity would be crucial for the success of the project. As we embarked on the journey of developing and promoting the new product line, we encountered various challenges and pressures. One of the most significant challenges we faced was the temptation to embellish the features or benefits of the product in order to make it more appealing to potential customers. There was a subtle pressure from some stakeholders to overstate the capabilities of the product or to make promises that we couldn’t guarantee. However, our team remained steadfast in our commitment to integrity. We recognized the importance of delivering accurate and truthful information to our customers, even if it meant risking potential short-term gains. We understood that our reputation and credibility were on the line, and compromising on integrity could have long-lasting consequences for both the project and the organization. Throughout the project, we consistently upheld the principle of honesty in our interactions with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders. We were transparent about the capabilities and limitations of the product, ensuring that expectations were set realistically from the outset. This approach not only built trust with our customers but also fostered a culture of integrity within our team. By prioritizing integrity, we not only achieved success in launching the new product line but also strengthened our reputation as a trustworthy and reliable partner in the industry. Our commitment to honesty and transparency laid the foundation for long-term relationships with customers and stakeholders, demonstrating the enduring value of integrity in leadership and decision-making.
Personal Experience Demonstrating PCL Characteristic: Service
Volunteering at a local shelter was an experience that deeply resonated with me, particularly because of the profound demonstration of servant leadership by the shelter manager. The shelter manager served as a beacon of inspiration, embodying the core principles of putting others’ needs above their own and leading by example. One of the most striking aspects of their leadership style was their unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being and comfort of the shelter residents. On a daily basis, the manager engaged in various activities aimed at meeting the diverse needs of the residents. Whether it was preparing nutritious meals, offering emotional support during difficult times, or advocating for additional resources and support services, the manager consistently demonstrated a deep sense of care and compassion towards those they served. What truly stood out was the manager’s humility and willingness to roll up their sleeves and actively participate in the tasks at hand. They didn’t just delegate responsibilities from a distance; instead, they actively engaged with residents, volunteers, and staff, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity within the shelter community. The manager fostered a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, encouraging everyone to contribute their skills and talents towards the common goal of supporting the residents. They recognized the unique strengths and abilities of each individual and provided opportunities for them to make meaningful contributions, whether through organizing activities, leading workshops, or simply lending a listening ear. By leading with a servant’s heart, the shelter manager not only met the immediate needs of the residents but also cultivated a nurturing and supportive environment where individuals felt valued, respected, and empowered. Their leadership style not only transformed the lives of those they served but also inspired others to embody the principles of compassion, selflessness, and service in their own lives and interactions.
Personal Experience Demonstrating PCL Characteristic: Growth
Participating in a leadership development program provided me with a transformative experience, particularly in understanding and embracing the Principle-Centered Leadership characteristic of growth. Throughout the program, there was a consistent emphasis on the importance of continuous improvement and learning. Our mentors and facilitators instilled in us the mindset that growth is not only desirable but also essential for personal and professional development. One particular instance stands out vividly in my memory, highlighting the profound impact of this emphasis on growth. During a challenging project assignment, our mentor encouraged us to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Instead of shying away from difficult tasks or feeling discouraged by the complexity of the project, we were challenged to approach them with a sense of curiosity and determination. This shift in perspective was instrumental in transforming our approach to the project. Rather than being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the challenges, we saw them as opportunities to stretch our capabilities, expand our skill sets, and learn valuable lessons along the way. We embraced the inherent uncertainty and complexity of the task, recognizing that it would push us out of our comfort zones and catalyze our growth as leaders. As a result, we adopted a proactive mindset, seeking out additional resources, seeking feedback, and collaborating closely with our team members to tackle the project with confidence and resilience. Despite the inevitable setbacks and obstacles we encountered along the way, we remained steadfast in our commitment to growth, using each experience as a stepping stone towards our personal and professional development. Ultimately, the project not only achieved its objectives but also served as a powerful catalyst for our individual and collective growth as leaders. By embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, we cultivated resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset that continue to serve us well in our leadership journey. This experience underscored the profound impact of embracing growth as a core principle of leadership, empowering us to navigate future challenges with confidence and purpose.
Connecting PCL to VBL: Transparency
The connection between Principle-Centered Leadership (PCL) and Value Based Leadership (VBL) is exemplified through the principle of transparency, as highlighted in Copeland’s literature review. In my experiences, I’ve witnessed how integrity in PCL closely aligns with transparency in VBL, and how this alignment fosters trust, openness, and accountability within teams and organizations. Transparency is essential in both PCL and VBL because it establishes a foundation of trust and integrity. When leaders are transparent about their actions, decisions, and intentions, they demonstrate a commitment to honesty and openness. This transparency builds trust among team members, stakeholders, and the broader community, as it provides clarity and reduces ambiguity. In my professional experiences, I’ve seen how leaders who prioritize transparency create an environment where individuals feel empowered to voice their opinions, ask questions, and raise concerns without fear of repercussion. This open communication fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, as it encourages diverse perspectives and promotes constructive dialogue. Transparency enhances accountability within teams and organizations. When leaders are transparent about their goals, strategies, and performance metrics, it becomes easier to assess progress and hold individuals accountable for their actions. This accountability ensures that everyone is aligned with the organization’s values and objectives, leading to more effective decision-making and outcomes. Transparency cultivates a sense of shared purpose and integrity among stakeholders. When leaders are transparent about the reasons behind their decisions and the impact on various stakeholders, it fosters a greater sense of inclusion and trust. This shared understanding helps unite individuals towards a common goal, driving collective action and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. Overall, the connection between transparency in PCL and VBL underscores the importance of honesty, openness, and accountability in leadership. By prioritizing transparency, leaders can build trust, enhance communication, and cultivate a culture of shared purpose and integrity within their teams and organizations, ultimately driving sustainable success and positive outcomes.
Monique
Continually Learning
Continually learning is a PCL characteristic emphasizing the importance of ongoing personal and professional development. It involves seeking out new knowledge, skills, and experiences to adapt to changing circumstances and improve oneself over time. In my professional career, embracing the mindset of continual learning has been essential to staying on to top on what is going on in education as it constantly evolves. I actively seek professional development opportunities to boost my skills and knowledge in the teaching field.
Service Oriented
The PCL characteristic service-oriented means prioritizing the needs and well-being of others. As an educator, my main focus is severing the educational needs of my students, guiding them towards academic success, as well as personal development and growth. I make sure that I prioritize the needs of each student and their individual learning styles. It is my hope to make a positive impact on the lives of all students I come in contact with.
Radiate Positive Energy
Radiate Positive Energy is the PCL characteristics that involves promoting having a positive attitude, enthusiasm and optimism that can uplift and inspire others around you. This motivates others to strive for their best and overcome any challenges they might face with resilience. To me radiating positive energy is essential to the learning environment and to student growth and development. I make sure that the positive energy that I have sets the tone for the atmosphere in my classroom. I make sure the students feel welcomed, feel supported, and valued. This allows for me and my students to build meaningful teacher student relationship, so that they can feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing ideas.
Ethical Leadership
Within education, continually learning, service oriented, and radiate positive energy are strengthened by educators who embodies ethical leadership which is VBL constructs. The dedication to professional development and self-improvement is reflected in continuously learning. This is crucial for educators navigating the ever-changing field of education. Educators who embrace continuous learning opportunities not only become more effective, but they also fulfill their ethical duty to give their students the finest assistance and advice available. A key component of ethical leadership is radiating positive energy that creates a classroom climate that values compassion, positivity, and respect. As a teacher fostering a supportive environment where children feel appreciated, supported, and motivated to succeed both personally and intellectually by setting an example of positivity and empathy. It is our jobs as educators to mold the brains of future generations and foster a culture of integrity, compassion, and quality in education by their persistent dedication to ethical leadership.
