Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

As a high school principal of some 20 years, I concur fully with your notion of blending 'public learning' into your emerging notion of leadership. I joke sometimes that instead of being called a principal, the title of Chief Learning Officer or CLO might be more appropriate.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

A leader is someone who is willing to take others off the beaten path without fear of consequences. A leader is someone who encourages all to aspire to their own personal greatness. A leader is someone who is willing to speak up under sometimes oppressive circumstances. A leader is someone who is willing to admit their faults. A leader understands their own personal limitations. Finally a leader does not sit the fence but is known for making decisions for the good of all, not the comfort of a few.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

On a trip to India last year, I learned that principals there continue to have teaching responsibilities. A large home improvement chain requires their corporate management to work in a store every year for a week. How can you lead if you do not take opportunities to learn (understand) what you are asking your followers to accomplish? When I had a second child I thought I would remember all I needed to know - only two years later and I was looking for the baby book. School leadership is the example standard for "life-long learning" - a term everyone likes to throw around. Immersing yourself in the work of learning builds respect and an understanding of commonality.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

I really appreciate it when someone else states how I feel about a topic clearly and succintly--something I am not always able to do myself! Thanks to Ben and Melissa in particular, and to all the rest for your insightful comments! For me the tricky part of leadership is managing my time well enough to keep learning at the top of my priority list. Proof of this is that here, on July 89th, is the first time I have taken the time to respond with a comment. Happy summer, everyone!

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

brilliant mr grey. balance is so important and i think you hit the sweet spot of balance... those who most publicly learn and bring others with them along the way. i'm going to have to quote you. :)

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

I like the concept of "publicly learning". It reminds me that it's essential that leaders focus on building relationships, affirming the ideas and efforts of those who move forward with improvement, and empowering them as they grow personally and professionally. Thanks, as always for your thoughtful post.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

brilliant mr grey. this balance is so important. this post is resonating in me just now - as the sweet spot of balance. those who most publicly learn and bring others with them along the way... brilliant. is this copyrighted yet? can we use it? :)

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

Thank you all for the great feedback. Kelly- As much as I am, so are you. I've truly enjoyed having you with along the journey. Dave- I think CLO is an excellent term for a principal. If even in inferred reference alone, it is entirely fitting. Nadine- Your thoughts are precisely right on. Leading by learning would also be a constant reminder to an administrator of what things are of value to the constituents in a building, which can be markedly different than the priorities simply managing a building can elicit. Rebecca- A poignant point. I've been doing a lot of reading about the role of democracy in education, and I think that interaction could potentially speak directly to the question you raise. Specifically, what to do with a leader who is leading in a manner that isn't best for an institution, especially an institution of learning. Melissa- Your addendum is excellent and perfectly fitting. Woody- And I would add that the learning and preparation for transfer to online learning is done not for sake of online learning in and of itself, but rather, for the sake of the learner. For the sake that learners can engage in a myriad of opportunities and extensions not typically available in a traditional learning institution. Shar- When I took my technology administration position last year, I did so with the hope that I would once again teach at least one class once I settled into the position. That hasn't happened yet, but I do hope it will in the not too distant future. There's so much that would benefit everyone in an institution if leaders remained actively involved in the process of student learning. Cheryl- It was a pleasure to meet you as well, albeit far too briefly. I'm looking forward to continued discussions in the future. Thanks for the lead on Susan's blog as well. I'll be keeping up with her now thanks to your recommendation. Sandy- I think your point about prioritizing time is of great importance. It becomes incredibly difficult to do so once the minutia of the job overwhelms the important bigger picture tasks. How many of us take the time to read and digest new ideas in books, or online, during our workday? How many of us have time to do so? How many of us should have time? And, how many administrators would validate the use of time in that fashion? Monika- Thank you for the kind words. I'm sure the quote was hugely influenced by the community which I'm honored to be a part of, so they probably deserve the credit for the thought more so than me personally.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

Your article about Leading by Learning is very good, good Extraordinary! I only give that extra to be leading by learning required hard work and commitment to action, specifically Stop Dreaming Start Action! Thanks!

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

Notice that usually the people we choose as leaders readily admit that they do not know everything, but they embrace and seek out opportunities to learn. Mr. Grey's thoughts also point us to another question: how do we effectively deal with people in leadership positions who refuse to learn or to consider new approaches? They do exist, and we do have to work successfully with them.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

You are most certainly already a leader in the field of education, and it is because of your transparent learning and voice in the discussions that matter. I love that you are bringing us all along on your journey.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

Students will learn when the building and classroom leaders learn. The practice and experience of learning prepare educators to provide students with learning opportunities that are relevant and challenging to the student. When educators do not continue the practice of learning they limit the students' ability to learn. Ongoing learning opportunities for educators should not be limited to higher-ed institutions of learning. Online instruction such as the Educator's Virtual Mentor provides opportunities for educators to perfect teaching and instructional leadership 24/7/365. When educators experience powerful learning using technology, the model prepares educators with new knowledge/skills and the opportunity to transfer the experience of learning online to the students.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

Ben, I briefly met you at NECC, not nearly long enough to chat, but we can continue conversations virtually as you have demonstrated by this great conversation starter. As I get ready to plan for my upcoming school year, I will be sure to explicitly say that learning is at the root of all my plans, my workshops, my conversations, my peers and that I do what I do because of the students I impact through my work. You may want to look at an incredible school leader Susan Phillips at http://dreamleader.blogspot.com/ , she has put into practice this very model. Good luck and continue the conversation.

Leading by Learning -by Ben Grey

Notice that usually we choose as leaders people who admit that they do not know everything, but who also embrace and seek out opportunities to learn. Mr. Grey's comments also point us to another question: how do we effectively deal with those in leadership roles who are not willing learn to learn or to try new approaches? Such people do exist, and we must work successfully with them.