Years ago, I was blessed to be in a position to hold seminars with groups of educators designed to discuss and build leadership skills both informally and formally, internally – for the individual and externally for the school. As we discussed leadership skills and qualities, we would talk about new tools being put in our toolboxes as leaders. This year in Teach & Serve, I have decided to talk about many of those tools.
CREATIVITY
I used to have a poster on my wall reminding me of The Phrases that Kill Creativity and to not use them.
It was not big, perhaps 8.5 by 17 inches. I had received it as a handout at some professional development opportunity and made the poster myself. It was right over my desk. I literally saw it every day.
I can recite many of the phrases right now:
- Our school is different
- We have always done it this way
- I have outlasted leaders and initiatives, I’ll outlast you
- Wait until you’ve been here a little longer
- We tried your idea already. It didn’t work
When I feel these phrases on my lips – or sentiments like them – I try so hard to force them back.
Leaders are called to be creative or, if they are not, they are called to open doors of creativity for those they serve.
Schools have been around for a long time, they will (despite predictions to the contrary) continue to be around in the future. But what they are, how they do things, what they accomplish – all of this must change, alter, live.
Leaders who develop creativity in their staff and schools serve the future. Leaders who put down creativity serve the past.
Do not live in the past. Push for the future. Be creative.