Leadership Connectors - Competence

The phrase "fake it til you make it" is often uttered when people enter into a new position or situation. However, faking it can only take you so far. As discussed in Leadership Connectors, competence is something that can't be faked, though it can make or break a leadership role.

Competence is not knowing everything. Competence is being able to balance the knowledge you already have and the ability to gain more knowledge. Instead of claiming to know it all, it's best to know knowledgeable people that can help you learn what you don't know. While for a new leader, you might be tempted to come across as overly competent, that can actually work against you. It can create a divide between you and your staff, mainly due to what some might consider a big ego.

In order to add to your knowledge base, it's imperative to observe and reflect. We all make mistakes, but it's important to be able to learn from them and keep from making them again. We can learn learn from those around us - our peers leaders, teacher leaders, students, parents, community members, and all staff.

I think the greatest learnings from this chapter surround what we as leaders really do need to know:

• social/emotional intelligence - to communicate effectively and build relationships
• communication skills - in all means of communication, newsletters, emails, meetings
• reflection - identify and learn from your mistakes and successes
• kindness/respect
• knowledge of learning theory and teaching methodology - you must be an instructional leader
• organization/prioritization - good leaders orchestrate, not manipulate
  
• systematic thinking - school sites are systems full of classrooms and people who impact each other
• shared vision - work collaboratively with others and make sure that every decision that is made is in keeping with your collective vision
  
• humility - give credit to others when it's due, be genuine