LEADERSHIPS

 Exploring Different Types of Leadership

Leadership is a multifaceted concept that manifests in various forms, each with strengths and challenges. Through recent professional development, I have gained deeper insights into different leadership styles, including transformational, transactional, servant, instructional, and distributed leadership. Understanding these styles has helped me reflect on my own approach and identify strategies to grow as a more effective leader within the school community.

Transformational leadership emphasizes inspiration, vision, and long-term change. Leaders who adopt this style work to motivate others by creating a shared purpose and encouraging innovation. I admire how transformational leaders build trust and foster a sense of belonging among their teams. It has encouraged me to consider how I can inspire others in my school by setting high expectations, modelling professional values, and promoting collaborative learning environments.

In contrast, transactional leadership focuses more on structure, performance, and short-term goals. While this approach can sometimes seem rigid, I’ve learned that it plays a crucial role in maintaining accountability and clear expectations. Understanding when to apply transactional strategies, such as performance monitoring and feedback, can effectively ensure consistent progress and standards within teaching teams or student learning.

Servant leadership particularly resonated with me because of its emphasis on empathy, listening, and putting others’ needs first. This approach aligns well with my personal values as an educator. I see great potential in adopting more servant leadership practices, especially when working with students, parents, and colleagues. Being approachable, supportive, and community-focused fosters trust and leads to more meaningful and productive relationships.

Finally, exploring instructional and distributed leadership highlighted the importance of sharing leadership responsibilities and focusing on student achievement. Instructional leaders prioritize curriculum and pedagogy, while distributed leadership encourages collaboration across all staff levels. Both styles remind me that leadership is not about a title or position but about influence and shared responsibility. Moving forward, I aim to empower others by recognizing their strengths and involving them in decision-making processes that ultimately benefit our learners.

PD DATED 19/05/2025 AT KORU PRIMARY SCHOOL.