The Power of One

Indispensable Leader?

There is an interesting debate surrounding the continued success of Apple without Steve Jobs. It begs the question of the existence of the quintessential leader. However, mountains of literature have been written on developing the proper skills to successfully lead. Can anyone be a leader? An article in the NY Times has a fascinating discussion on the indispensable leader. The article concludes with the great leadership guru Warren Bennis:

"The real test of exemplary leadership is not making yourself an irreplaceable icon but developing a deep, talented bench who, when their turn comes, can unite a company and unleash creativity into their own way"

The world as we see it?

Recently, I challenged my staff to consider how they view the world and how that impacts their teaching. I told them I was surprised to find a picture of my house on google street view. If you asked me prior that disquieting moment if I thought someone would be allowed to drive by my house, take a picture, and post it on the internet, I would have so no, it is an invasion of my privacy. Clearly, what I think of the world is sometimes at odds with reality. As print newspapers continue to abandon paper in favor of digital, we as educators must continue to consider what we must abandon in our teaching because how we see the world may not be our students' reality. You can still see my house on street view, but hopefully, my lawn is mowed and my truck is washed.

Risk Incompetence

Intriguing post over at Dangerously Irrelevant: Competence is the enemy of change. It is a well-worn cliche to say that 'good is the enemy of great'. It has been so overused in educational leadership; often without application or enough specificity to impact educators.

It is a good reminder to move out of our comfort zone, risk incompetence, and change.

Work today for tomorrow's priorities

I always enjoy reading Seth Godin. He knows how to say things in unique, memorable ways. His recent post is worth contemplation from educational leaders. We can always do a better job at looking to the future. We are always putting out fires and dealing with urgencies. I like how he talks about measuring people by what they did today that supports where they need to be in a month.

Being the Best

Favorite Posts of 2007

I have seen many 'best of' lists as this new year begins. Here are some of the most meaningful blog posts that I read this past year:

• Michael Watkins' advice for a new CEO

• Chris Lehmann's thoughts on being a principal

• Michael McVey's poignant questions

• Seth Godin daring us not to blink

• Philip Kovacs (at Ed Policy Blog) using important, insightful data

What were your favorite blog posts of the year?