What exactly does it take to be a leader? With the remunerative salaries in the news these days, it might be a multi-million-peso question. But in reality, only few leaders earn seven and eight figure salaries. Nonetheless, this article is not actually about how to become the chairman of a company or to earn thousands and millions of pesos. It is about what distinguishes a leader from the herd. What makes someone capable of leading a group to a specific set of outcomes? What enables someone to demonstrate genuine leadership?
In education, the roles of the leader are very vital. In 2013, Wallace said that shaping a vision of academic success for all students, creating a climate hospitable to education, cultivating leadership in others, improving instructions, and managing people, data and processes are the five key responsibilities of an educational leader. Hence, educational leaders have a significant impact on the atmosphere, attitude, and reputation of their institutions. They are the foundation upon which learning communities operate and flourish. Schools that have strong school leadership become effective learning incubators, places where students are not only educated but also challenged, fostered, and encouraged.
An organization will not function, and therefore will not attain its goals and objectives without a team. Hence, it is important that a school leader knows how to build harmonious working environment and building emotional bonds between and among them. After all, researches reveal that strong emotional bonds and loyalty among team members can pave the way for exceptional performance. For example, the Principal supports and engages with students and coaches in their contests. She sees to it that they have the learning materials and funds intended for that. Moreover, she checks their status regularly. With a more personal approach, it is believed that it can create a school climate and culture which allows success in the organization. Letting the people in the organization feel that the leader engages, supports, and cares for them, will create a big impact for them to strive more.
Furthermore, Affiliative leadership allows the organization to increase its morale and trust through positive and open communication. For example, interpersonal conflicts or misunderstandings will be immediately addressed. If open communication exists, and trust to the superior will prevail, school and people management will be smooth sailing. Harmony and success rate of the organization is more likely to rise if constructive and meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas will be done.
Lastly, in this challenging time, people in the organization need a leader who have the heart and understanding. Making the people in the organization feel appreciated and paying attention to their holistic needs is something which most leaders lack. With this leadership style, School leaders can inspire the people that they are leading to be good and more humane. At the end of the day, it is essential to have the heart of a leader, which prioritizes the welfare of the people in the organization. Besides, these seeds will bear fruits: if not for the support of people in the organization, success in education will not bear.

By: Lyka Eunice O. Magdalera | Teacher I | Bataan National High School