What can I do to be a visionary leader?

I am thinking about what I can do to be a visionary leader.  I wonder several things.  As a visionary leader, am I involved in setting the vision, am I given the vision, or do I even know the vision?  I am not a black and white thinker.  I think about the spectrum of greys and the many possibilities.

We need to make a sharp the distinction between a vision statement – words on paper – and the vision itself, which is more of a living power. While the vision or mission statement often serves a necessary purpose, the fundamental question – the measure of a vision's power – is what stays in thought or in the heart when you put aside the words on paper. A vision that is original and powerful should plant an image in consciousness that provokes deep feelings, that stirs a sense of possibility and inner commitment.

Scott Thompson http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/Transforming%20Education/Leadership%20in%20Education/Getting%20Real%20About%20Visionary%20Leadership%20for%20Progress%20in%20Education/

To become a visionary leader I can understand and effectively communicate the vision so all members can be invested and play a role in making the vision a reality.  I can be a role model to others so they can see what it looks like to work toward the vision. I can listen and be willing to accept multiple points of view about how to move toward the goal.

a.    Inspire and facilitate

Students and staff should have the opportunity to use technology in meaningful and beneficial ways.  They should have the opportunity to grow.  They should have the opportunity to explore options that will allow for future development.  Students and staff need to know what options are available now and learn to effectively use technology so when new technology is available they can be ready to adjust to new opportunities. 

 

b.    Engage in an ongoing process

Where are we now?  What are our goals?  How will we reach our goals?  Use self assessment to determine where we are and what we need. 

As a visionary leader I can facilitate a differentiated environment to help my coworkers and students to reach their technological goals.   I can be understanding and accepting of other’s current level of knowledge.  As in any good classroom, learners evaluate where they are and where they would like to be.  A facilitator helps develop instruction and a learning environment so learners can make progress and reach their personal goals.  It is important to realize individual’s levels of comfort and understanding currently and to make connections available to “experts” who can be of assistance when needed to accommodate differentiation. 

I would like to suggest a menu of options in which staff could visit other “technology experts” in their building for a brief introduction, overview, or assistance in regular intervals built into the schedule like three choice option “Tuesday morning tech” for fifteen minutes before school with the choices being at different levels.  The same would be great for our students, for example the lab will be open for on Wednesday morning for any students who would like instruction on how to access their PowerSchool account, log into their email for the first time…  Sessions can be requested by the participants which will be helpful in reaching a shared vision.

c.    Advocate

Where to begin?   We need technology in the hands of the users with the needed support for success.  Maybe our development of advocacy begins very local and once shared leadership can make our vision a reality advocacy can occur at a higher level.