Wow that did not go like I anticipated. So, what do we do now? As a leader this is one of the most uncomfortable moments you encounter. When implementing an initiative or sending a communication, you have an idea of what you would like to happen. Then all of a sudden you start receiving questions or pushback and you wonder how you got here. While this is not the desired outcome it is unavoidable as a leader. So how do we avoid that uncomfortable feeling?
Previously I had talked about humility versus ego and how that shapes leadership. As a leader one of the best ways to demonstrate humility is to have authentic reflection around what your blind spots are as a leader. Being aware of your own growth areas can help avoid those frustrating moments where things do not go as you intended. Blind spots in leadership can be vastly different amongst different people. It is challenging to step out of your comfort zone and reflect on areas that you may struggle. It is necessary to engage in this discomfort to grow and develop as a leader.
As I am contemplating my new role as a principal there are so many different thoughts going through my head. One of my personal blind spots in leadership is my tolerance for change. Growing up as a child we moved more than your average family. This led to the uneasy feeling of being the “new” kid in school. In my own educational experience, I was the new kid on the first day of school eight different times. As a professional educator I was the new kid in school five different times. Change has always been a part of my life. While change is scary, it has become a piece of who I am as a person. This propensity to change is not always echoed by everyone around me. This creates a significant blind spot as a leader.
As I was preparing for my introduction to staff, I have been debating on what content to discuss. It is important for me to give staff information on who I am personally, professionally and what drives me as an educator. I am also eager to begin work around defining our culture and other essential pieces to leading a team. I was discussing this with a leader at my new district and she was listening and when it came time for feedback, I was surprised by what she said. She stated directly that she was going to pushback on some ideas. She told me that with all of the uncertainty with change in leadership, the pandemic and other challenges teachers are facing in the virtual world that I need to slow down. This was exactly what I needed to hear. She slowed down my thinking and forced me to shift my view to the lens of the staff I will be leading. She essentially checked my leadership blind spot for me.
Having personal awareness of your blind spot is essential, but it also necessary to create a professional network that can continue to assist in checking that blind spot. When I received this feedback it was eye opening, but It was needed. I decided to reflect on what was really important in this introduction. It also allowed me to reflect on the idea that culture cannot come before relationships, and I needed to focus on how I can build those relationships and foster trust in the current virtual environment. While I am aware of my blind spot I am grateful that I have that built in “blind spot protection” in my professional learning network.