Creating a Collaborative Journey through the WV 21st Century Leadership Institute

It is not enough to be busy. The question is: “What are we busy about It is not enough to be busy. The question is: “What are we busy about?” Henry David Thoreau

People….. Process…… Tasks “

Great Teams: “What have they got?” Think about great teams you have been on. What were some of the attributes that created a great team experience?

Simply being collaborative does not make change Members of a Community of Practice must call on each other’s knowledge, skills, and aspirations to address their goal. So, the ingredients of effective collaboration are: a common knowledge base, a common purpose and a common set of goals and skills.

Collaborate on the RIGHT THINGS.

“Creating a collaborative culture is the single most important factor for successful school improvement initiatives and the first order of business for those seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their schools.” Eastwood and Lewis

Collaboration is more than working together congenially -more than communicating well or working well together.

Interactions Parallel play Adversarial Congenial Collegial

A good team doesn’t rely on the talent of only the best members A good team doesn’t rely on the talent of only the best members. Instead, it relies on the COORDINATION of an interdependent team. One player may be the leading scorer, but other members are given important supporting roles. Each player contributes her strengths and relies on teammates to overcome weaknesses. Each is accountable to one another to achieve team goal.

Programmatic Groups The team goal for our Programmatic Groups is to create a true “Community of Practice”. Throughout the Summer, Fall and Spring Institute days, you will be with the same group. There will be many opportunities for you to work collaboratively together, share with each other, learn from each other and build some lasting relationships.

Participant Expectations Be a learner—participate!! Work on ePortfolio daily Complete daily surveys Be on time for ALL sessions Encourage others In order for this happen, you must….

Assurances Needs and concerns Learning experiences Materials, resources, and tools 45 CPD hours Ongoing support Model for effective leadership Continuous School Improvement In turn, the Institute staff will …

The manner in which we work together as collaborative teams to learn from each other and improve our leadership skills is an example of the way we should be leading our schools!

“Examine Your Practice” NSDC Spring 2008

Group Process Rubric

A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle. Japanese Proverb A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way. Swahili Proverb

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead