Not everyone promoted to the position of a school administrator is ready to face the organization efficiently and effectively. There are so many things inside his/her mind and heart which he/she wanted to be accomplished.

                Various cases between and among the school principal, the teachers and the parents were recorded as sources of grievances and conflict among these people.

                According to Fleming as cited by Zerrudo (2012) there are unlikely voices that shape and influence one’s leadership as he thinks and practices it. Zerrudo stressed that as one explores his/her being a school manager, he/she will have two kinds of voices – the resonant voice and the dissonant voice. She added that it will be easy to listen to the resonant, unlikely voices, because they mesh with our life. She also mentioned that the dissonant unlikely voices are important, because without them, our life and one’s leadership will narrow into our own ideas, supported only by people who agree with us. We need a few voices in our life with which we clash so we remain authentic, humble, teachable and approachable. Zerrudo further explained that we don’t have to agree with it all, but we will be better from having encountered the dissonant voices with openness and honesty. She suggested 3 P’s for an effective leadership.

1. Pause– as a leader, try to insert a pause before we influence the present or existing one. Leadership cannot be done by an immediate move. Try to pause and reflect if you have right decision.
2. Ponder– analyze and assess some reflective questions that will help you explore how the content intersects with your leadership context.
3. Practice– this connects the content you practice as a leader. It will give you ideas and suggestions for working the content into your specific life and leadership.

It’s a big challenge to pause, ponder and practice while listening to the unlikely voices during your term as a school manager.

References:

                                Zerrudo, Edna S. (Presenter) from Leadership Wisdom from Unlikely Voices. Fleming, Dave. Leadership Notes. A Compendium of Schools Division Superentendet’s Book Reviews. 2012, p.21

By: Mercelina Q. Sanggalang | Teacher III | Luakan National High School | Dinalupihan, Bataan