Critical Reflection on Leading Practice

docx

School

University of Nairobi *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

MANAGERIAL

Subject

Management

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by HighnessTankAardvark22

1 Critical Reflection on Leading Practice Student Name Institution Affiliation

2 Introduction Within any organization or academic environment, the impact of strong leadership can be transformative. This is because with good leadership, the organization is going to get positive impact and progress in ways which will eventually bring returns to such organization. The focus of this project is to critically examine a specific instance of leadership in practice. This is through connecting it to existing theories of leadership which are very important when it comes to understanding what leadership is all about. To be specific, the paper will explore a scenario in education where a program was put into place to improve literacy outcomes for adult learners by enhancing the skills of educators. Through this it will be easy to check on how legitimate such programs affects those people involved in a positive way. Through reflection and analysis, it is important to understand some of the aspects which includes leader's motivation, decision- making, the resulting effects, and areas of disagreement or resistance. This is important since at the same time one will be utilizing applicable leadership theories as a framework for evaluation. Context There are different institutions which are dealing with different set of people and each one of them will not require the same leadership models but instead it is important to look at the context to ensure that the model that one will choose will be the one which is best for those people who are in the institutions. For instance, in an adult education institution that helps improve literacy skills for learners of all proficiency levels, it is important that there should be transformational leadership that should happen as there are many things that needs to be changed so that these adults will as well feel that they are part of the institution. If they won’t own the project, higher chances are they are not going to benefit how the founder had intended. There are

3 many other dynamics which people are supposed to look at in this adult institution, ( Shaturaev, J., & Bekimbetova, 2021) . It is important to consider that there are varied demographic, catering towards adults who require different levels of assistance with their literacy. With the primary goal being to enhance literacy outcomes, as when people have enhanced literacy outcomes, it becomes easier even for them to improve their lives even on their own without being pushed. Through such initiatives, it focuses on meeting each individual's needs to create an all-inclusive and efficient learning environment. This program impacted the establishment of learning across the board, intending to achieve a more inclusive and effective approach for adult scholars. With such initiative, a person at an individual level, they are going to be empowered personally which is something that each one of people usually strives for. Secondly, it becomes easier for such individuals to get job opportunities with enhanced literacy, ( McGinity, et al, 2022) . It also reduces poverty as one gets knowledge on hat they needs to do in order to earn an extra coin. When a lot of people comes together, they interacts and in the process they gets to learn a lot from other people. This is also very important as it opens their mind and they will start to think differently than how they were thinking without this literacy. Purpose The leadership practice was driven by the purpose of creating an immersive and personalized learning experience that catered to the diverse needs of adult learners with varying literacy levels. The initiative aimed to elevate literacy outcomes while fostering a sense of inclusion and self-confidence among learners. The ultimate aspiration was to motivate learners to actively participate in the learning community and develop a strong sense of belonging, ( Gyang, 2020) . The overall purpose includes creation of a personalized and inclusive learning

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 environment that fosters engagement and self-confidence. This is very important for all the learners as they are going to have faith in whatever that they want to do. Effects Several indicators were used to assess the effects of the leadership strategy. Notable among them was the progress observed in students' literacy evaluations, reflecting improved skills and competencies. The heightened involvement and interest among learners were evident through increased participation rates and a more engaged classroom environment. Moreover, learners' boosted self-assurance and confidence were observed, indicating a positive impact on their overall learning experience. The effectiveness of the program was also evaluated by monitoring retention rates and tracking learners' continuous development over time, ( Connolly & Fertig, 2019) . Additionally, the institution gained a heightened reputation within the community due to its dedicated efforts to enhance literacy levels among its learners. Learnings Several significant insights arose when reflecting on leadership practices. The significance of cultivating an inclusive and collaborative environment was apparent in the organization. This is important as each and every one of them will learn from each other during this process. Leaders comprehended that achieving success mandated contribution from educators, learners, and stakeholders. It is not only impactful from just one source but instead, it is a collaborative approach and each and every person n they have got a role which they are playing and therefore they should be included equally. Moreover, promoting ongoing professional growth for educators was emphasized, as it had a direct effect on their capacity to administer productive teaching methods tailored to the diverse requirements of learners. Leaders recognized the importance of balancing data-driven decisions with a learner-centered approach,

5 ( Northouse, 2019) . To achieve this balance, they suggested implementing a systematic approach to real-time analysis and data collection. Through this it will be easier to check whether they are progressing well and at the same time they will see where they needs to improve. All these two aspects are very important in any learning process. Contestation Within the realm of educational leadership, successful initiatives often require nimble and attentive responses to challenges. The importance of transparent communication is also highlighted as a means to overcome points of contention and ensure the efficacy of leadership efforts. Active listening emerged as a pivotal practice in handling issues surrounding resource allocation and the pace of program implementation, ( Male, et al, 2019) . The leadership team demonstrated an openness to feedback from both educators and students. This active engagement allowed them to gain valuable insights into the concerns and reservations of those directly involved in the initiative. The willingness to modify the program in response to this feedback underscored the leadership's commitment to creating a collaborative and supportive environment. Another thing which the educators expressed includes reservations about the swift introduction of innovative strategies. Concerns were raised about the potential compromise in the quality of education due to the hurried pace of change. Resource constraints was a challenge which presented itself as challenge to the complete realization of certain components of the initiative. These challenges could have led to frustration and resistance among educators, hindering the overall success of the program. It is important to have a transparent communication emerged as a necessary strategy, (Preedy, & Wise, 2011). The leadership team recognized the importance of openly discussing the rationale behind the changes, the timeline, and the available

6 resources. By sharing the decision-making process and explaining the steps taken to address resource limitations, the team fostered a sense of trust and understanding among educators. This transparent approach enabled educators to see the bigger picture and the intention behind the rapid implementation. Analysis Looking through the lens of transformational leadership theory, the practice of leadership can be analyzed. This leadership focuses on how leaders can inspire and motivate their followers to work. This is to attain a common goal. With this, people will be aware of what they are supposed to do. Most times people usually learns what their leaders are doing and it is important for the leaders to make sure that they are acting as a good example so that other people will continue emulating them. To illustrate this concept, the leaders in question were able to use transformational leadership in a convincing manner by sharing their own vision of improved literacy results and generating a feeling of responsibility amongst their fellow educators. When it comes to sharing of the vision it is very important as all will know why they need to engage in such programs, ( Shaturaev, J., & Bekimbetova, 2021) . This will include communicating some of the advantages which people will get as a result of engaging in the program. Leaders who embody excellence inspire their teams, stimulate innovation, and offer unwavering support. The leaders stood as beacons of exemplary behavior, serving as role models for educators and learners alike. Through their own dedication, professionalism, and commitment, they inspired others to emulate their actions. By embodying the principles they advocated, they established a powerful foundation for the entire initiative. Educators and learners, witnessing the leaders' dedication, were motivated to invest their best efforts in achieving the desired outcomes.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 A hallmark of effective leadership is the ability to stimulate intellectual growth and innovation. These leaders went beyond conventional methods, encouraging educators to explore innovative teaching approaches. By fostering an environment where fresh ideas were welcomed and experimentation was encouraged, they ignited a spirit of creativity among the educators. This intellectual stimulation not only improved teaching methods but also invigorated the learning experience for the students. They did this through addressing all the unique needs of each learner is a testament to exceptional leadership. These leaders took the time to understand the individual challenges and strengths of learners. By showing personal consideration, they created an atmosphere of care and support, fostering a positive rapport between educators and learners. This personalized approach contributed significantly to learners' enhanced confidence and engagement in the learning process. This leadership was all about instilling a shared sense of purpose. These leaders understood this fundamental aspect and consistently motivated educators by emphasizing the significance of their roles in shaping learners' lives. By connecting daily efforts to the overarching mission, they cultivated a sense of pride and motivation among educators. This inspiration kept educators driven and committed, resulting in a more cohesive and effective educational environment. Evaluation The impact of leadership on achieving improved literacy outcomes and fostering inclusivity cannot be overstated. This enhancement explores how the application of transformational leadership theory played a pivotal role in realizing these goals. The leaders' ability to inspire, empower, and collaborate is examined, while also acknowledging the need for a comprehensive leadership approach when dealing with multifaceted change initiatives. Central to the success of this endeavor was the utilization of transformational leadership theory, a

8 framework that emphasizes collaboration and a shared vision. By embodying these principles, the leaders created an environment where educators and learners alike were united in their pursuit of enhanced literacy outcomes. This theory underpinned the leaders' actions, influencing their approach and shaping the course of the initiative. The core tenets of transformational leadership were vividly evident in the leaders' ability to inspire and empower educators. Their capacity to exemplify ideals, encourage innovative thinking, show personal consideration, and motivate educators to share a collective sense of purpose resulted in a higher level of engagement and commitment. This transformational influence trickled down to learners, fostering a passion for learning and driving them towards improved literacy outcomes. However, it is imperative to recognize that while transformational leadership proved effective, the complexity of change initiatives demands a multifaceted leadership approach, (Preedy, & Wise, 2012). No single theory can encompass all facets of such intricate endeavors. In this context, considering the example of resource allocation, a combination of leadership theories, such as distributed leadership, might have been necessary to ensure a comprehensive and balanced implementation strategy. Distributed leadership, for instance, could have been employed to address the resource constraints that challenged the program's complete realization, ( McCauley, et al, 2021). By involving a broader spectrum of stakeholders in decision-making and resource allocation, a more equitable and sustainable distribution could have been achieved. The synergy of transformational and distributed leadership could have further enriched the initiative's potential for success. Conclusion This is a critical reflection that examines how educational leadership can change the approach to boosting literacy outcomes in adult education institutions. By investigating the

9 approach using transformational leadership, we uncovered its advantages and disadvantages. Using theories to analyze leadership practices gives us a better grasp of how leadership affects educational transformations. This task reveals the significance of adaptive leadership in overcoming complex issues by using multiple theories to promote long-lasting change. Ultimately, the value of executive leadership lies in its capacity to address multifaceted challenges.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

10 References Connolly, M., James, C., & Fertig, M. (2019). The difference between educational management and educational leadership and the importance of educational responsibility. Educational Management Administration & Leadership , 47 (4), 504-519. Gyang, T. S. (2020). Educational leadership response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Nigeria. International Studies in Educational Administration , 48 (3), 73-79. Male, T., Palaiologou, I., Male, T., & Palaiologou, I. (2019). Leadership: theory and practice. Sustaining the Comprehensive Ideal: The Robert Clack School , 53-70. McCauley, C. D., & Palus, C. J. (2021). Developing the theory and practice of leadership development: A relational view. The Leadership Quarterly , 32 (5), 101456. McGinity, R., Heffernan, A., & Courtney, S. J. (2022). Mapping trends in educational-leadership research: A longitudinal examination of knowledge production, approaches and locations. Educational Management Administration & Leadership , 50 (2), 217-232. Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership Northouse: Theory and Practice. Ofosu-Anim, D. O., & Back, S. H. (2021). Towards a Conceptual Framework for Political Leadership Theory and Practice: A Thematic Analysis of the Literature. Open Journal of Leadership , 10 (3), 193-213. Preedy, M., Bennett, N., & Wise, C. (2012). Educational leadership: Context, strategy and collaboration. (No Title). Preedy, M., Wise, C., & Bennett, N. D. (2011). Educational Leadership: context, strategy and collaboration. Educational Leadership , 1-312.

11 Shaturaev, J., & Bekimbetova, G. (2021). The difference between educational management and educational leadership and the importance of educational responsibility. InterConf .

Critical Reflection on Leading Practice

Related Documents