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In the latest issue of Exchange (November, 2007), Marianne Jones, outlines the characteristics of effective directors in the early childhood world. Her insights are based on a review of contemporary business literature as well as on a study she conducted with center directors. One theme she found common to business and early childhood leaders was "building connection with others �" the purposeful establishment of relationships �" identifying with followers, motivating others to be their best, and sharing meaning." Jones observed...

"The interpersonal nature of leadership was the predominant theme of participants’ dialogue. Without exception, all groups specifically identified building connection with others and the ability to motivate others as essential to leadership. The unsolicited and unanimous emergence of these qualities as identifiers of leadership gives them considerable weight.

"For participants, connection with others and motivating others are part of the fabric of four interrelated areas. These areas include: a) building or growing others (i.e., recognizing someone’s talents and purposefully helping them to fulfill their potential), b) teamwork and the ability to connect with others, to motivate and inspire others. Directors not only addressed the relational nature of leadership, that is people in relationship with one another and its importance, but the interrelated nature of leadership characteristics themselves."

Jones' entire article is available for you review in the Exchange Ideas for You - FREE! section of our web site, www.ChildCareExchange.com.

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