First, it was an amazing way to get to know everyone is both cohort 35 and 34. We were able to learn about strengths and weaknesses, both for ourselves and others. This is especially important as a leader to know other's strengths and how to utilize them for the benefit of the whole. It is something to remember when needing to build culture in your school. You need to know your team well and how you respond to each individual, as well as, how they will respond to you.
Traveling outside the country, or going outside your comfort zone, grows and stretches you in ways that could not be achieved at home or through an online course. As a leader, this is important because you will be put into situations that are outside of your comfort zone. There will be times when you will have to make decisions that others will not agree with but stand firm in your decision.
Additionally, we can read all we want about countries like Scotland and England but there is nothing that compares to being in the school directly. Sometimes you need to be a part of the experience instead of simply discussing the topic itself.
This post really made me think more in depth about leadership in a school. I think this trip really helped me, when in a group, negotiate and compromise. Especially on the last day when everyone had an agenda of what they wanted to do, we worked together as a group and compromised. I also learned that you can't always please everyone and that is just how things go.
ReplyDeleteI also agree about finding each other's strengths and weaknesses but it also helped us build a deeper bond with each other. I feel confident that anyone in either group would support me and have my back if I needed them.
This trip definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone but I have grown so much because of it!
Both of your reflections make it clear that opportunities to bond and build relationships with a staff pose possibility for huge impacts. In order to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a staff, you have to know them. :) SO excited for all of the opportunities and experiences you have gained from the trip.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many advantages to this trip. Getting to know both cohorts better was a great benefit. As close as we were before the trip, we are even closer now after experiencing crazy bus rides (w/George), event-filled days, and evening bonding time. As a leader we have to create these opportunities to get to fully know our staff and for our staff to fully get to know and appreciate each other.
ReplyDeleteThis experience not only provided a new perspective but it allowed us to experience it firsthand. For every way that made us different, there seemed to be a way in which we were the same. It reminded me that we are truly one world all trying to do what is best for our students to be successful in a global setting.
I couldn't agree more with all of you. We just spent a week getting the ultimate networking experience. We were able to learn more about each other and grow in numerous ways. I loved how many people from 34 I was able to connect with. This job is all about who you know and Butler does the BEST job at making sure you know the right people!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the opportunity to travel and enjoyed the learning that took place almost as much. Again, as you said, we can read articles about these schools, but we won't truly know what's going on unless we get to observe it in action. It is why I feel like the London visit was more valuable but appreciated the Scotland trip as well.
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