Leadership

Part of being a leader is learning how to be a good manager of people. My new position has placed me in a leadership role, but I do not feel that I am a manager of people. I am learning that another huge part of leadership is listening and watching. This is especially true when you are new to the leadership position. To take on a new leadership role and come out with your guns blazing is not always the best choice. Now, there are situations where such tactics are needed and can be used effectively. But, my new position has called me to take on more of a watching and listening role. I need to discover how my new place of employment works and how the people within the place of employment interact and work. It has been an interesting experience and I've only been at it for 3 months.

The best part so far has been cultivating relationships with my co-workers. I had been at my previous job for four years. So, I haven't had to meet new people and develop new work relationships for awhile. Overall, it has been a fun experience. Our department is very diverse as is the school itself. But, if everyone was the same it would make for a very boring day, week, and school year. The thing that I come back to the most is remembering to laugh and not take things too seriously. Each new day is a chance for new start and a fresh outlook.

I am curious how the people in my department view me, though. I am the second youngest person in the department and probably have the least amount of teaching experience except for the person who is younger than me. This has added to my view of being a watcher and listener rather than a person who swoops in and seeks to make dramatic changes in the first year. I am still interested in how I am viewed. It would have been nice to know what each person was thinking the first time they met me in August. That thought alone makes me laugh because I was quite nervous.

The first 3 months have already put me face to face with some challenging situations. But, I am really enjoying the new position. I have been surprised that I haven't missed being in the classroom. But, that is partly due to the fact that I haven't had any time to sit and reminisce about being in the classroom. The one thing that I have noticed is that the students have no idea who I am. And, that is a very weird feeling because at my previous position I knew quite a few of the students. I hope that aspect changes with time. And, I am aware that I am the one who can make it change.