Our contemporary world is marked by perpetual change. We only need to remember the past 3 years to acknowledge and observe this reality. As a result, it becomes crucial for educators and educational leaders to embrace vulnerability as a means for nurturing and normalising change and disruption. We know that these adjustments push us beyond our familiar territories and make us feel uncomfortable, therefore, intertwining emotional intelligence and sensitivity is quintessential.
Anyone who has tried anything new knows that it is likely going to be met with obstacles and challenges. As a child learning, I can remember to ride a bike, this is an experience many of us can share. While learning, I experienced the wobbles, stacks and loss of control. I can testify none of those elements were fun but I continued to try because I wanted to be successful like my older brother. As Deepak Chopra (2009) expressed, "Every failure lies the seeds of success," serving as a reminder that often we endure trials and challenging periods before attaining achievement.
Today in Australia is Father's Day and the adventure my wife and daughter's gave me was zip lining through the Illawarra escarpment. As a teenager, if I was told this was what I was doing, I would have walked away. It was too far out of my comfort zone. This concern was something that I intentionally worked on and normalised when I was working in outdoor education and the growth that I made has been transferable to many other areas of my life. As I worked with others on this, I discovered as psychologists such as Brene Brown (2016) have identified that the emotions and feelings we have in those moments of uncomfort and fear are not too different to those that we have when we are in a state of awe or joy. Depending on our perspective, determines which stress or happiness hormone is released, cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin.
In this blog post, I am going to try and share why I feel vulnerability and emotional intelligence is one of our greatest strengths but quite often a very underutilised tool to build connection and leadership. This path may be inconvenient and uncomfortable, yet it constitutes a vital aspect of the learning we require as professional educators.
Leadership vs. Management
Before delving into the importance of vulnerability and emotional intelligence in education, it's essential to understand the distinction between leadership and management. While both roles are crucial in our educational organisations, they serve different purposes and require distinct qualities.
Leadership is about guiding and inspiring others towards a common vision (Northouse, 2021). A true leader is responsible, curious, authentic, and humble enough to admit mistakes. They are present, focused on the core mission, and hold outcomes lightly while empowering others to contribute to the vision. Leadership is about people, and it transcends mere compliance by aiming for excellence.
On the other hand, management is concerned with the day-to-day operations and ensuring that processes are followed (Yukl, 2012). It is essential for maintaining efficiency and stability but can sometimes pull individuals into a rigid mode, focusing on compliance.
Dr. Ray Boyd (2023) aptly stated in a recent post about leadership, "The actions undertaken outside of our offices enable us to observe the relationships that are being created between teachers and students, establish relationships with parents, monitor the effectiveness of program implementation, and see where we need further support or additional resources, while also monitoring the standards and achievement levels of our students”. These actions focus on culture, not simply compliance.
To transform education successfully, we must harness technology, quality pedagogy, and curriculum. However, it's crucial to remember that education is fundamentally a people business. Emotional intelligence, vulnerability, mindfulness of individual well-being, and integrity ultimately make the difference for staff, students, and the broader educational community.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognise, understand, manage, and use our emotions effectively in interpersonal situations (Mayer, Ceruso & Salovey, 1997). EQ is indispensable in education but traditionally neglected. It enables educators to connect with students on a deeper level, empathise with their struggles, and create a positive and nurturing learning environment (Brackett, Reyes, Rivers, Elbertson & Salovey, 2012).
As educators, we must be attuned to the emotional needs of both our students and our colleagues. This includes acknowledging and validating their feelings, providing a safe space for expression, and offering support when needed. When educators demonstrate emotional intelligence, it fosters trust, enhances communication, and promotes a sense of belonging within the educational community.
Embracing Vulnerability and Servant Leadership
In our Australian context vulnerability has often been seen as a weakness, but in the context of education and leadership, it can be a source of strength. Being vulnerable means acknowledging our limitations, admitting when we don't have all the answers, and being open to learning from mistakes. This openness creates an environment where innovation and growth can flourish.
When leaders embrace vulnerability, they set a powerful example for their teams. They show that it's okay to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from failures (Covey & Merrill, 2006). This not only encourages creativity and resilience but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. It also generates an environment where service and servant leadership thrives.
Servant leaders prioritise the needs of others above their own, and their primary goal is to serve the community they lead (Spears & Lawrence, 2016). This approach creates a unique dynamic where leaders become facilitators of growth, empowerment, and collaboration.
Servant leaders are attentive to the well-being of their team members and students. They actively seek to understand their needs, provide support, and remove obstacles that hinder growth and development. In essence, they create an environment where every individual can flourish.
Empowering Staff and Student Voice through Integrity
Another vital aspect of effective educational leadership is empowering the voices of staff and students in decision-making processes (Fullan & Hargreaves, 2012). Leaders who intentionally seek input from their team members and students create a sense of ownership and commitment within the educational community (DuFour, Eaker & Many, 2010).
When staff and students have a say in decisions that affect them, it fosters a culture of inclusivity, trust, and collaboration. Their unique perspectives and insights can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in curriculum, teaching methods, and overall school culture.
Integrity is the cornerstone that allows the stakeholders to know their voice matters to the leader (Sergiovanni, 1992). It means consistently acting in alignment with ethical principles, being honest, and adhering to a strong moral code which builds trust and credibility in the leadership (Brass, Butterfield & Skaggs, 1998).
Leaders with integrity are seen as trustworthy and principled. They lead by example, and their actions mirror their words. This consistency sets a positive tone for the entire educational community, reinforcing the values and standards that guide their institution.
EQ Factors that Impact Education and Educational Leadership
Empathy is a quality that cannot be overstated. It's the ability to understand and share the feelings of others (Mayer, Ceruso & Salovey, 1997). Leaders and teachers who demonstrate empathy create environments where students and staff feel seen, heard, and valued (Goleman, 2006).
Trust is the foundation upon which successful educational communities are built (Bryk & Schneider, 2002). Trust is cultivated when leaders are consistent, reliable, and transparent in their actions. It's the belief that leaders have the best interests of the community at heart.
Self-awareness is a critical element of effective leadership (Goleman, 2006). It involves an honest and ongoing assessment of one's strengths and weaknesses. Leaders who are self-aware can make informed decisions and understand how their actions impact others.
Adaptability is key in a rapidly changing educational landscape (Fullan, 2001). Educators and leaders who embrace change and innovation are better equipped to guide their communities and students through periods of transformation.
Passion is the fuel that drives progress (Fullan, 2001). Those who are passionate about education inspire others to join them on the journey. Passion creates a sense of purpose and dedication within the educational community.
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work (Dweck, 2006). Leaders and teachers who foster a growth mindset encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement (Dweck, 2006).
Perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of vulnerability in leadership is granting permission for mistakes. In a safe and supportive environment, individuals are encouraged to take risks and try new approaches. When mistakes occur, they are not seen as failures but as opportunities for learning and growth. In doing so, the leader creates an environment where the team is willing to iterate, experiment, and flourish. When individuals feel safe to test new ideas, they become more innovative and resilient. Experimentation is the catalyst for progress in education which is an access point for deep learning that benefits the outcomes of students on the ground (Quinn, McEachen, Fullan, Gardner & Drummy, 2019).
Conclusion
In the pursuit of excellence in education, it is the people who make the difference. Exceptional educational leaders are those who prioritise emotional intelligence, embrace vulnerability and practice servant leadership by empowering staff and student voices to manage stress with integrity, empathy and trust. By nurturing these qualities, educators can cradle and navigate the changes that inevitably arise in the education landscape, because they ultimately know they are in an emotionally and psychologically safe environment. As a result, the leader indirectly guides their institutions towards greater success and impact. It is by leading with compassion, authenticity, a thirst for knowledge, and an environment that encourages experimentation that we enable those seeds of success to flourish, building educational communities that empower and uplift all involved.
Stay the Course!
References
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Yukl, G. (2012). Effective leadership behavior: What we know and what questions need more attention. Academy of Management perspectives, 26(4), 66-85.
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