Leadership in the teaching lab

Why leadership? Whenever two or more people come together for a common goal, the possibility for leadership exists. What is leadership? Isn’t leading people the same as telling them what to do?

Why Leadership? You always have a choice with the position of authority that you are being given. By being an effective leader, you will be taking care of Your students Your own position The institution you work for

Leading vs. Managing Both are technique and both can be learned – Managing is something you do with things, like time and grades/grading – Leading is done with/to people Ask yourself “Will students willingly listen to what I have to say?” – You need to do the things to both be prepared and still remain open to questions

Power vs. Authority Power – the ability to force or coerce someone to do your will, even if they would choose not to, because of your position or your might. – Do this or.... Authority – The skill of getting people to willingly do your will because of your personal influence. – Doing good work because you respect the person evaluating your work.

Power vs. Authority The problem with using power: it’s a threat and you have to back a threat up and honestly there is little you can do. Also, eventually, your students will catch on and here you will be raising a busted flush.... – Subtext: students are not to be trusted so I should push them around Using authority is actually easier. We have all heard the saying that it’s easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar. It requires a different mind set... – Subtext: students are to be trusted and they are valued

Needs vs. Wants An example: Do people want boundaries and accountability?  Probably not. Do people need boundaries and accountability?  Definitely, unless you thrive on chaos. The idea that “well, they are adults now” is nice, but boundaries and accountability provide structure and keeps everyone working towards a common goal. By the way, reminders are nice! We all appreciate them! Saying “I told them once...

Needs vs. Wants Let us try to identify our own wants and our own needs: Do you think our list(s) are really that different from our students?

Needs vs. Wants What are your needs to do your job here effectively? – A paycheck! – Materials in the labs that are correctly prepared – Proper preparation for teaching a particular experiment – Standards to follow What do you want to get out of your teaching? – Fulfillment – Increased appreciation of chemistry – Sense of integrity: honest effort and getting paid for it!

Needs vs. Wants As a leader, it is your job to meet the needs of your students: – Fairness – Attention to detail – Integrity – Not to play favorites – Consistency – Compassion – Humor – CAREFUL PREPARATION As a leader, it is NEVER your job to meet their wants: – Automatic A – Little effort for maximum grade – No recitation/very short recitation – Give them the answers without the work. – It is not your job to “make their lives easy”: work is good for them!

What would work for you? What do you respond to? What would you expect? How is a double standard received by the group? special This can be a pitfall! Lots of folks say they want a “fair chance” but they really want special treatment.

Special Special vs. Important a subtle yet critical distinction Special – Not needing to conform to the standards – In a category that should not be judged by the usual standards – The way your parents, friends, boyfriend treats you. – Has no place in higher education Important – Requiring attention from responsible parties – Issues to be taken seriously – Not usually delegated from initial party (this is abrogation of responsibility, a serious no-no!) – The basis of higher education

Students have been told that they are “special” all of their lives! special Are they special to us? – NO! Is the student important to us? – ABSOLUTELY! – We take our responsibility seriously! – This is why I’m a nut for safety in labs! I don’t allow important people to work unprepared and in a position to get hurt. Also, it’s the LAW!

Where problems arise and how to solve it: Low Expectations No one wants to be the “adult”. Too much hand-holding Friends Desire for high evaluations Wanting to be liked Expect MORE and hold students accountable. Do your job! Enforce boundaries Honest self image Self respect

To lead is to serve This does not mean that you are a doormat! You should always focus on wants versus needs for you students and remember that your students are important. Students will occasionally say ridiculous things like “I’m paying a lot of money for this class... “, which is irrelevant. They are paying for a chance to learn, not for a grade.

Serving others Serving others is NOT being their slave. Meeting needs is our goal Meeting wants is not our job Feel any way you wish about your situation; you are judged by your words and your actions We should always act as ladies and gentlemen working with ladies and gentleman.

Isn’t this the goal of teaching our students? Do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous (self-reliant), more likely themselves to become servants? -Robert K. Greenleaf Would not this be good training for the pre- meds in our classes?