Leadership from the Middle

08/14/2008

The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns. The pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose.
Kahlil Gibran

In her book, Learning to Lead: Effective Leadership Skills for Teachers of Young Children, Exchange Director of Community Development Debra Sullivan observes that "the strength and enthusiasm of leadership at the middle and lower levels of any group or program create the strength and enthusiasm at the top." She goes on to explain....

"In order for a program to do best for children and families, leadership must be present at all levels within every early childhood setting, whether that be a family child care home, a center, a school-age child care program, or a preschool. Leader-like actions and qualities must come from every teacher, assistant, aide, and support staff member — every adult. We need to recognize the leadership ability we bring to our own circles of influence — the people we interact with on a regular basis — and begin to make connections between this leadership ability and the ability to influence what happens in our lives and in the lives of children. Leadership does not only occur at top levels, and it is not always the sole property of the 'person in charge.' In practice, it is spread throughout all levels, which is essential for a healthy system. Everyone throughout any program or organization must be ready to take leader-like action so each level can function effectively.

"Leadership builds on itself. Many of the best leaders in almost any field have come up through the ranks of leadership.... Very few people develop leadership skills in a brief moment of activity. The leadership talents of some may be well hidden until later years, but with patience, practice, reflection, and the right circumstances, leadership talent will develop and emerge."

Check out Learning to Lead

Learn more about Sullivan's Learning to Lead at the Exchange web site. About this book Margie Carter observes:

"Debra Sullivan has taken very complex ideas and made them seem obvious and accessible. This is a valuable text to assist teachers in identifying their leadership skills and bring them to the decision-making tables of our profession. I recommend this book to many ... groups around the country and keep it close at hand in my own work."

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