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.