Post reflection #1
OL4020 Reflection Post Example #2:
Description
The principal of my service site had a staff meeting with the teachers two weeks before the school began
this year’s standardized testing. She reviewed some of the changes in the testing formats and scheduling.
She asked for input from some of the teachers who were familiar with the new formats. She acknowledged
that adjustments had to be made. She encouraged the teachers to become more familiar with the new
testing procedures and she distributed information. She encouraged them to share tips with each
other. She shared that she knew it would be difficult at first, but they were all on a mission to help the
students. She said she knew they could do it. I thought her behavior was real. I didn’t think she was
exaggerating. I didn’t think she was flattering. I thought she was giving sincere praise and encouragement.
I noticed that this behavior from the principal was well-received. Teachers discussed some challenges. Those
that had tried some sample tests online shared their experiences. The teachers accepted that they and the
students were going to be challenged, but they had a look that seemed as if they were saying, “OK. Let’s do
this.” It wasn’t RAH-RAH ! High Five ! It was more as if they were quietly confident.
Analysis
“Recognize Contributions”, including “Expect the Best” and “Show Them You Believe” are all discussed in
Kouzes & Posner’s The Student Leadership Challenge in regard to ”Encouraging the Heart.” In discussing the
upcoming testing challenges for the school, the principal shared with the teachers that she knew she could
expect the best from the teachers as they prepared students for new testing formats as well as the subjects
themselves. She showed them she believed by reminding them of challenges they have had getting
prepared for tests before. I have seen the school encourage students with various awards and this
recognizes their contributions as well as the teachers’.
“All exemplary leaders make the commitment, as Wyatt did, to Recognize Contributions. They do it because
people need encouragement to function at their best and to persist when the work is hard and times are
challenging” (p. 214).
Application
I was personally motivated for the only championship I ever won. It was 7th grade softball. We lost the
championship game in 6th grade. Right after the loss, my teammates and I said, “We are going to come back
next year and win this.” We did not have a coach. It was just us. This was the “Expect the Best” philosophy
(p. 215). After getting so close, we knew we could take it to the next level. We certainly didn’t like going
that far and losing. In the 7th grade championship game, everyone played great. It was a real team effort. It
was a satisfying victory. In many ways, we won it the previous year.
The Facing the Giants video clip really moved me. The player was thinking negatively. When the coach told
him that he was the key to the other players believing, it was symbolic for them to see how far he could go
when he pushed himself and gave it his best. The coach was a great example of a leader pushing another
leader to go to another level. The player began the scene psyched out, but everyone got the message when
he drove himself further.
The principal at my service site was encouraging the teachers to encourage the students to do well, take
their “game” to another level and not get psyched out by adversity.
Reference:
Kouzes, James M., and Barry Z. Posner. The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices for Becoming an
Exemplary Leader. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Leadership Challenge, 2014.
Headings
Leadership practice AND one commitment is
included
Personal example from context (from
one’s life) other than service learning
A specific passage from the reading is
properly cited in APA format.
A proper reference of the text is provided
at the end / bottom of the post.