‘ Principle Based Leadership’ West Virginia Department of Education Fall 2011

PROGRAM AGENDA  The School Counselor as Leader and Advocate  ‘Principle Based Leadership’ for Professionals  Assuming Leadership Roles  Strengthening Leadership Skills  Self Assessment Exercise  Applying ‘Principle Based Leadership’

Counselor as Leader and Advocate  Advocate for the success of all students  Promotes access to total resources available  Builds positive expectations independent of individual test scores  Educates stakeholders about available programs that contribute to student success  Collaborates with administration and staff to improve programs

Effective Advocacy Requires Effective Leadership  Effective leadership is the ability to promote positive direction and gain the commitment of others to follow  Leadership isn’t a function of formal authority or title; it’s a function of demonstrated value and others willingness to follow  For professionals in counseling roles to demonstrate leadership they must be credible and respected at all levels

Common Characteristics of Effective Leaders  B ehavior & actions model character and integrity  Other focused versus self focused  Promote & demonstrate mutual respect  Demonstrate and foster good decisions  Solution oriented (new and creative ideas)  Demonstrate courage when necessary  Identify what is important to achieve

‘Principle Based Leadership’ is Founded Upon Building Mutual Respect  Begins with a desire to have value for others  People are more likely to follow and respect those who demonstrate interest in and respect for them  Actions carry more weight than words in building mutual respect  Service to others is integral to ‘Principle Based Leadership’ Words Actions

Core Leadership Requirements Knowledge Personal Presence  Principles - Earning credibility with others by demonstrating character integrity, courage and values others can embrace  Knowledge – The ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and decision making to enable others to achieve effective outcomes  Personal Presence - Influencing others by communicating with them effectively and promoting mutual respect (goes beyond words) Principles

Assuming Leadership Roles  Effective leadership may be demonstrated formally or informally but requires providing value  The way people behave often establishes the roles they assume with others  Remaining alert to leadership opportunities is a function of wanting to serve  Encouraging the best in others tends to bring out their best and strengthen the leaders role and value

Building Leadership Qualities in Self  Others’ perceptions of you define your role and influence (not your title)  Your values and what you represent establishes others’ level of commitment  Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making are essential to effective leadership  Communications skills & personality style are important considerations

Strengthening Leadership Skills  Self assess to identify strengths, natural style and developmental needs relative to the situation  Identify leadership skills and approach most appropriate to the situation or context  Assess others to determine their capabilities, incentives and needs  Determine how to provide value and promote success for others

Leadership Self Assessment  Seeing self objectively is one of the most difficult challenges of leadership  This exercise looks at an important part of leadership; your behavioral style  The LSI is an exercise to provide an objective frame of reference to improve how you lead

Some Examples of Leadership Styles High D (Driver) – “The Ram” High I (Influencer) – “The Otter” High E (Enabler) – “The Labrador” High P (Perfectionist) – “The Beaver” Focused & Forceful Gregarious & Social Loyal & Supportive Diligent & High Standards

Application of ‘Principle Based Leadership’  Consider your most positive leader role model  Define leadership role you want to strengthen  Identify specific outcomes you may affect that will have the most value to others  Consider your leadership style strengths  Set specific goals and identify activities to achieve your goals

Program Summary  School counselors must be effective leaders to be effective advocates  ‘Principle Based Leadership’ is founded upon character and developing mutual respect  Effective leaders provide value by increasing others likelihood of success  Leaders must flex their style to meet the needs of the situation  Goal setting promotes results