Transcript Developing a Leadership Program

Mission and Action: Developing a
Leadership Program at Your School
Jeanne A. Blakeslee
Christine E. Szala
St. Paul’s School for Girls
June 2013
Why a Leadership Program?
• Important contributions of
women and girls
• Invitation/identifiable pathway
necessary
• Ability must be taught and/or
nurtured
What is leadership?
• Qualities/Elements of Character
• Skills/Practices
• Definition of leadership
What qualities and skills do you
expect a graduate of your school
to possess?
Qualities of Leadership from a Mission
Statement
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Inspired/having vision
Expects and gives excellence
Responsible, committed
Spiritual, ethical, anchored in values
Honest, having integrity
Practicing justice
Compassionate, loving
Wise
Confident
Skills from a School’s Mission/Profile
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Thinks critically/discerning user of information
Thinks creatively and solves problems
Writes and speaks effectively
Practices teamwork
Promotes a sense of fair play
Is a leader in work of peace and justice
Practices stewardship (nature and resources)
Can navigate ethical and moral challenges
Is a prudent user of the world’s resources
Explicitly where do you develop these
skills and qualities?
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In the classroom
In public spaces on campus
While training for “shadow days”
Working on committees
In clubs and activities
On athletic teams and the performing arts
While doing community service
Gym meet/intramurals/field day
Developing a Leadership Program
• Look for already-existing
opportunities
• Be explicit and intentional
• Decide who will be responsible
–Give that person/those persons
authority
• Determine time line
The SPSG Story
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Senior Speeches
Club Presidents’ Council
Community Service Organization
Group Facilitation
College Counseling
Green School Certification
Junior Leadership Day
Sophomore planning for ring dance
– decision-making and teamwork
• Junior days
–followership and communication styles
• Grade VIII Ambassadors
• Grade VII Leadership Day
• Grade IX Advocacy
–advocating for oneself
–speaking up for another
–becoming an ally
• Transition Mentors for IX’s
Important elements
• Commitment from Head and Administrative Team
• Draw from the school’s mission statement
• Know where to cultivate mission-centered
qualities
• Determine necessary skills and practices
• Know where to explicitly teach those skills
• Look for opportunities in already-existing arenas
• Be accountable, give credit
• Be intentional and explicit
Foundation of a Good Leadership
Program
• Strong moral center
• Identified characteristics
• Identified skills
• Sense that everyone is needed
• Sense of everyone participating
• Intentionality
Where to Go from Here
• Know what you have already
• Name existing venues
• Identify and distinguish qualities, skills,
and practices
• Identify opportunities
• Give authority to those with
responsibility
• Articulate what happens when
Please contact us if you have any
questions or would like further
information
Jeanne A. Blakeslee
St. Paul’s School for Girls
[email protected]
Christine E. Szala
St. Paul’s School for Girls
[email protected]