How do these topics apply to the TL as a leader and how do they apply in other contexts of my expereince?
As Leadership is relevant to all 3 topics - Communication, Organisational Theory & Strategic Planning - my general encompassing views about Leadership in summary are:
- I need to respect a leader persoanlly as well as professionally
- the best leaders I have worked with are positive, enthusiastic and inspiring, they have had a vision which is shared with and by the whole school community, the vision includes the whole community and they are supported by all participants
- a good leader is strong in making decisions, and then in communicating those decisions, the implications and consequences
- leaders need to be credible, be a role model, have well developed people-skills and be able to empower others (this is not the same as delegating)
- leaders fail when they impose change, innovation is not welcome when it is not understood
COMMUNICATION
All forms of leadership requires effective, clear communication. The diverse nature of a teacher librarian's role requires sound communication skills to be employed and/or developed through oral, written and increasingly more so electronic/digital communication. TLs need to have strong interpersonal skills and be approachable in order to be successful communicators. Verbal, written and electronic communication with students, colleagues, school administrators or parents (also to the wider school community) either individually or in groups is a key element to being a successful leader and striving for excellence as highlighted in the Standards of Professional Excellence.
Communicating with other teacher librarians through professional associations, such as SLAV and ALIA, through facilitating professional development activities and contributing to online forums. As a leader within their school communities TLs need exemplary communication skills in order to building collaborative learning partnerships with teachers and administration. In schools, like in any workplace, good communication is essential and so too is listening to others. No matter what the situation not everyone will be happy but at least if good communication occurs at least others can have a say on the issue.
Communication covers both written and verbal and consistent procedures need to followed within the organisation to ensure that communication is effective. Often leaders just presume it is happening. People don’t respond well when they receive information through the wrong channels. In relation to Communication, my role as a TL demands leadership skills and hence strength in communicating. I need to plan collaboratively (enhance teamwork), undertake co-operative learning at every opportunity (sharing knowledge). I need to make use of my new skills and knowledge by sharing with all staff and empower them to be able to use the same skills in their teaching and learning activities. In my past experiences I have learnt that with emerging technologies, showing someone what to do is not beneficial. The only way to learn how to use new technologies is to use it – so sit with your student (staff or child) and supervise and guide their efforts, don’t do it for them! This is truely empowering! I need to respect all points of view, and develop sound conflict resolution and negotiation skills. In all organisations there are some members that are more willing than others to work as a team. Make strong partnerships with those that do, they will be your valuable assets.
The ability to communicate effectively is critical to any environment - home, work, socially etc. Effective communication is a two way process where participants use a range of verbal and non verbal means to convey and refine meaning. One way communication doesn't allow for feedback. Non-verbal cues can make it difficult to communicate/convey much of what we say. The way in which people communiate is changing rapidly in our society - much of it now is not face to face and therefore we miss out on a lot of the non verbal cues which can lead to misinterpretation. Possessing conflict resolution skills is important to effective communication within any relationship whether it be a professional working realtionship or personal. My understanding of the role of comunication as a leader is that is essential to be an effective communicator - both face to face and in a technological based world. Getting your message accross clearly, concisely, assertively, timely and peacefully is the key.
Communication is paramount to the role of an effective teacher librarian as she/he need to be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the school community. Overall, my understanding of the role of comunication as a leader is that is essential to be an effective communicator- both face to face and in a technological based world. Getting your message accross clearly, concisely, assertively, timely and peacefully is the key.
ORGANISATIONAL THEORY
I must admit that I have little, or no, prior knowledge of what comprises organisational theory. Does it mean how a TL uses their organisational skills to be leaders within their schools? Don't know. Maybe it relates to an exploration of a range of management skills (effective decision making, teamwork) and leadership styles that makes a TL an effective leader within a school. Perhaps it's about the hierarchial structure of organisations and how change can be achieved.
Organisational theory is about how an organisation learns and includes decision making, problem solving, teamwork, collaboration and again leadership. These are all basic to the role of the TL, and all need to be well developed as the TL manages change and innovation in the school’s information services. It means making optimal use of the skills of all of your school staff. It also includes knowledge management which according to Wikipedia’s definition, is “the process if capturing, organising and storing information and experiences of all of the staff, then making this available and accessible to everyone.” It is important to look at the processes and practices of the school or Library and determining if they succeed in this. Often the standards for these processes and practices are set by the school leadership. What can the TL do to improve or strengthen these practices?
I have now had a peak at the subject content (p. 6-7) of the Subject Outline. So, organisational theory does consider what quality management is, decision making and problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, leadership and innovation and change. This could be quite an interesting area to investigate and to learn more.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
OK, again I have little idea or concrete knowledge. However, I guess that the TL's role in planning to build a strong vision to develop the library into an information-rich learning environment that assists students and staff to achieve their outcomes and goals. It's the vision to create both long and short term goals to improve the library and make (or continue to ensure) the library is the learning hub of the school. An exploration of reviewing the current library structure (offerings) to be able areas of improvement to become evident and for goals to be set for future development.
Strategic Planning is a tool used by all TLs in short and long term management of a library. Change, or more usefully, continuous improvement is essential in all organisations and is based on objectives and anticipated outcomes. First we needs to analyse needs and current practices, decide what you want to happen, anticipate any obstacles, then take the required action to move towards the achievement of the outcomes. Your setting of goals may be in the form of a vision or a mission statement – for the TL this will involve identifying objectives and outcomes for the delivery of your school’s information services. I see it is as a journey and you must decide where you want to be before planning how to get there, or how you will achieve those goals. Regular and continuous evaluation and review should never be neglected. Never before have TLs been faced with as much change as they face in the 21st Century and change requires strategic planning. Decisions are made based on this planning, then good leadership skiils ensure that the organisation is constantly working towards fulfilling the goals or vision.
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