I believe that the primary difference between creating a community of leaders and playing politics goes back to the statement repeated in our text about “doing things right” or “doing right things”. In creating a community of leaders, there have to be leadership values such as purposing, followership, empowerment, and so on. Together these values provide the substance – the glue – that holds the community of leaders together. I believe that there is a genuineness of caring and commitment that doesn’t come into play with the simple politics of leadership. It is one thing to make decisions and carry out management, but it is entirely another to be effective and perform with substance, bringing together resources, inspiring commitment in others and achieving performance above the ordinary and expected. With politics, I believe that process is more important than the purpose. Also, a community of leaders means that everyone shares in the decisions-making, the responsibilities, and the obligations as a committed whole. I’m not quite sure that I believe that about the politics of leadership, where “someone” is in charge and often “no one” is accountable. Movita Utt
It's very difficult to please everyone, and the process of becoming a true leader means upseting some apple carts. Though tempting to fall back on methodologies that might be easier for folks to swallow - as those methods might require less of each person - as Movita says, to lead you have to be effective and perform with substance to create that caring community. When each person is really challenged to take on leadership qualities, when people are really bonded by common values and beliefs, students will ultimately benefit, and this is, after all, what we are all about.
There is a lot of playing politics throughout our societies and less community leaders. One could say that is whats wrong with our country today. I believe a community of leaders is involving your whole school in making simple or complex decisions. It promotes a sense of security and respect to your fellow co-workers, followers, that you do care about what they have to say and are willing to listen. Whether or not, a principal takes your advice rarely matters, but for them to take their time to listen to you shows great character which provides a community of leaders. On the other hand, playing politics goes on so much that we as a people just overlook it. It sad to say, but there are many leaders today who you know are going to do what they always do and that's that. They know they are safe and they keep saying if it aint broke, don't fix it, but they are just taking care of #1, which is the primary goal in playing politics. Where as a community of leaders, will see where they are and where they want and need to be. There is always room for improvement, but you have to be totally committed to becoming a community which in turn will promote a positive and successful learning environment. Israel Easter
I am on the same ship with all the above. Being apart of a community of leaders gives one a sense of comfort knowing the people close to you share your values and beleifs. Though you may be the administrator the faculty respects your position and is willing to lead in areas that promote their personal strengths. Playing polictics on the other hand is the exact opposite. Leading in this manner resembles a dictator who takes into account what is measured and the processes involved. Administrators playing politics do not want anyone else to be a leader, they do as they are told and expect the school community to fall into place accordingly. zack dotson carroll co-hort
A community of leaders is one where everyone has a say and feels like their opinion and their beliefs matter within the school. Sharing the leadership and taking everyone into account creates a community of leaders. However, when one is a position of leadership, there will politics will be played. Administration has a lot of dealings with people that staff normally would not, giving them the opportunity or making it necessary for them to be more political. Though the key point is who are the politics being played for, is administration playing politics to influence others to drive the school in the direction that the staff and those that share leadership want it to go, or is administration playing politics to suit themselves and their lone decisions. -- Jennifer Campbell
I believe their is an extreme difference between a community of leaders and "playing politics". When a principal is "playing politics" there us usually no visable (at least to the teachers) reason for change in ideas and policies. The politics of the school would change as readily as the politicians who make them. It would be a game of "don't tell anyone we're doing this, but..." To be a community of leaders the principal and teachers would be able to see their vision and mission for the school being met and the community and school board would show make an effort to recognize this. I believe there are many schools that feel they must "play politics" in order to help their school be successful, thankfully I do not believe we are one of them. We have a strong-willed administration that looks to the betterment of the schools over political gains.
There is a distinct difference in creating a community of leaders and playing politics. When you are creating a community of leaders, their is a shared idea. This structure becomes what drives people to do the things they want to and should be doing. Together everyone involved becomes followers of make things happen "the vision." Playing politics is simply making deals with a very narrow view in mind. The problem with politics is it involves people in a manner which does not get complete positive results. Many things are with the one leader in mind and everyone else is used as a pawn. I have seen many administrators play politics over the years. But the number one thing I have learned about these types of leaders is that they are more concerned with themselves and where they are going than what the students are getting. That is the major difference of the two. Jason Morris
I agree with Jennifer, a community of leaders is one that everyone has an opinion and the opinion counts in the schools leadership. Everyone plays a part on one big team. I feel our school is a community of leaders where everyone in on the same page working on the same vision with students being our first focus. However playing politics is where some schools are today. There main focus is not a team which envolves everyones opinion. It is one leader with everyone carry out what the leader thinks needs to be done in their school. I feel this is not a team. This is where only one persons opinion counts and I think this would hurt a school in being success. Jamie Cain
I believe that a community of leaders is defined as a sharing of ideas that is collective agreed upon. This is the idea that each school should try to exibit if it wants to have a strong internal community. On the other hand, reality is that an educational leader must play the role of "playing politics". Although this seems to be morally and ethically wrong, we need to sometimes see the "big picture" when making the appopriate choices. We need to be able to see past the situation and how things may effect the individuals involved.
I agree with the above responses about the largest difference between playing politics and being a community of leaders is that ideas are shared and agreed upon. I agree that alot of times the reality is that as leaders we must play politics. However, if we are a community of leaders, everyone that is there to ensure the success of children shares duties and obligations. Leadership is not a one man show, but a collaborative work in progress. Everyone in the school must feel interdependence.
I also agree with the above responses. It is very hard to create a community of leaders and play politics at the same time. However, I do believe that in order to be a strong leader you must have a community of leaders to consult with. Through them, your school can have a strong belief system that reflects the whole community. A strong leader is only as good as the people he or she is working with. When the administration starts playing with politics then the belief system of that community can be damaged. The goal of every leader within the school system and in poitics should always be in the best interet of the children. Amy Woodard
Community of Leaders and playing politics are two totally different ideas. Community of leaders involve everyone within the decision making. In our society to get where you need to be playing politics usually play an enormous role. Being a good leader is applying everything you know (such as the ISLCC'S)while trying to meet the political needs to ensure total satisfaction. As prevously stated the "Big Picture" plays a big part in a administration job and the administrator must always look at what could happen in the future.
As stated in previous posts, a community of leaders is vastly different from "playing politics". To create a community of leaders, you must build a relationship. In a community of leaders, everyone is leading. Everyone must have the same goals in mind and must work together to achieve this goal. Although this is the ideal situation, politics are becoming more and more a part of the educational process and decision making process for schools. "Playing politics" seems to have someone in control of everything doing things in a way that may or may not be best for the school. It pleases those in charge, but doesn't always work out the best. It doesn't seem to be as beneficial as creating a community of leaders. Samantha Reed
I feel that community leaders carry out what is best for the community no matter what. As we must do what is best for children no matter what. However in many situations the line is crossed at some point and time and the community leaders begin to "play politics". And usually it is because of temptation whether it be money or power. Unfortunately pressure from outside sources force community leaders to cave in. I also feel that in smaller communities are easier to change when communtiy leaders start being political. Communities, like everhthing else changes, and so should the leaders, so as not to become "too political".
A community of leaders connects it's practice to community building. Leadership deals with the relationship between leaders and followers and their mutual purposes. Both followers and leaders do the leading and their roles are blurred. Playing politics, on the other hand, is concerned with thos in charge and "doing things right" whether or not it is in the best interest of the school.
Creating a community of leaders would be creating a community for the people, about the people, and in the best interest of the people. Playing politics seems to be more for the purpose of that moment. It benefits only those directly involved but affects many.
Creating a community of leaders is about purposing, empowering and followership on the part of the teacher and principal. Playing politics seems like a selfish course of action that only looks out for the one instead of caring about what is in the best interest of the school. It implies paybacks and quid pro quo. None of that is what true, quality leadership looks like. Angie Cornett
Creating a community of leaders involves distributing power and roles to “those who have a legitimate entitlement to claim it.” Assignments are given to individuals regardless of their standing in the community or what the leader may get in return. When viewing leadership as a collaborate and group activity one gives up a little bit of the traditional sense of power. A tough thing to do when you are “playing politics” either for your own benefit or the benefit of others. Thanks, Marlin
"Playing politics" = saying what people want to here, but not necessarily following through. Creating a community of leaders involves getting people genuinely involved in the decision making process (sometimes people are asked to be part of a "decision making process" only to have their decision not be used, which is not genuine - that's why I made that distinction). This isn't talking the talk which is "playing politics." This is walking the walk of creating a community of leaders.
Building a community of leaders is totally different from playing politics. A community of leaders will involve people who trust one another and a leader who is effective. Playing politics has nothing to do with that. That game is mostly for personal gain and usually is not for the good of the community. Jacob Leonard Carroll cohort.
I have to agree with what everyone is saying. There is a major difference between "playing politics" and building a community of leaders. When a leader builds a community of leaders there is a sense of trust and everyone's best interest is taken into account. All stakeholders are willing to work together for the good of the learning community. Christy Sparks
Building a community of leaders means delegating some of the responsibilities to stakeholders and I beieve it means listening to input of staff, community and students. Sometimes people just want to express their ideas, it makes them more likely to support decisions, even if their input was not the decided outcome. I strongly believe that staff members should all be treated fairly. I agree with Jason M that when politics enter the school it is easy for the school vision and idea of community to suffer. Everyone should be treated with equal respect. Misty Zyvoloski
A community of leaders has been well described in the above posts. In a community of leaders, involving everyone and including everyone allows for a "community." As far as playing politics, one seems to be in it for themselves. In this case, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
I think that having a community of leaders indicates that there is a buying in to the vision and a desire to excell in your own part. While playing politics becomes more of a bartering process in order to achieve an adherance or appearance of adherance to the vision. Rusty
Creating a community of leaders can take time. Ideas get shared and some get used and some don't. And that's ok, as long as you are given information about the big picture, that won't allow your idea. As long as everyone is being allowed to contribute their talents, take on new responsibilities, and express themselves you are working toward a community of leaders. I agree that often administrators wear two faces, by striving to create a community of leaders and playing politics. Melissa Gillie
When a community of leaders is created a sense of collegiality is formed. They have the same purpose, values, and motivation. It is the ideal situation and like the others I agree that it takes time. When "playing politics" selfish motives are prevelent. Team building does not ensue when politics are involved. Unfortunately, there is a lot of politics involved in schools. Shelly Goad
Politics mainly just tries to please everyone without really getting down and dirty. A community of leaders requires the principal to get the teachers and staff all on his bandwagon and gain majority support to change things around in the school. This may cause issues to erupt with certain teachers out of fear of change and tradition. It is the principals job to help smooth over any rough feelings in the school "family" and have everyone in support of change.
I believe that the primary difference between creating a community of leaders and playing politics goes back to the statement repeated in our text about “doing things right” or “doing right things”. In creating a community of leaders, there have to be leadership values such as purposing, followership, empowerment, and so on. Together these values provide the substance – the glue – that holds the community of leaders together. I believe that there is a genuineness of caring and commitment that doesn’t come into play with the simple politics of leadership. It is one thing to make decisions and carry out management, but it is entirely another to be effective and perform with substance, bringing together resources, inspiring commitment in others and achieving performance above the ordinary and expected. With politics, I believe that process is more important than the purpose. Also, a community of leaders means that everyone shares in the decisions-making, the responsibilities, and the obligations as a committed whole. I’m not quite sure that I believe that about the politics of leadership, where “someone” is in charge and often “no one” is accountable. Movita Utt
ReplyDeleteIt's very difficult to please everyone, and the process of becoming a true leader means upseting some apple carts. Though tempting to fall back on methodologies that might be easier for folks to swallow - as those methods might require less of each person - as Movita says, to lead you have to be effective and perform with substance to create that caring community. When each person is really challenged to take on leadership qualities, when people are really bonded by common values and beliefs, students will ultimately benefit, and this is, after all, what we are all about.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of playing politics throughout our societies and less community leaders. One could say that is whats wrong with our country today. I believe a community of leaders is involving your whole school in making simple or complex decisions. It promotes a sense of security and respect to your fellow co-workers, followers, that you do care about what they have to say and are willing to listen. Whether or not, a principal takes your advice rarely matters, but for them to take their time to listen to you shows great character which provides a community of leaders. On the other hand, playing politics goes on so much that we as a people just overlook it. It sad to say, but there are many leaders today who you know are going to do what they always do and that's that. They know they are safe and they keep saying if it aint broke, don't fix it, but they are just taking care of #1, which is the primary goal in playing politics. Where as a community of leaders, will see where they are and where they want and need to be. There is always room for improvement, but you have to be totally committed to becoming a community which in turn will promote a positive and successful learning environment.
ReplyDeleteIsrael Easter
I am on the same ship with all the above. Being apart of a community of leaders gives one a sense of comfort knowing the people close to you share your values and beleifs. Though you may be the administrator the faculty respects your position and is willing to lead in areas that promote their personal strengths. Playing polictics on the other hand is the exact opposite. Leading in this manner resembles a dictator who takes into account what is measured and the processes involved. Administrators playing politics do not want anyone else to be a leader, they do as they are told and expect the school community to fall into place accordingly.
ReplyDeletezack dotson carroll co-hort
A community of leaders is one where everyone has a say and feels like their opinion and their beliefs matter within the school. Sharing the leadership and taking everyone into account creates a community of leaders. However, when one is a position of leadership, there will politics will be played. Administration has a lot of dealings with people that staff normally would not, giving them the opportunity or making it necessary for them to be more political. Though the key point is who are the politics being played for, is administration playing politics to influence others to drive the school in the direction that the staff and those that share leadership want it to go, or is administration playing politics to suit themselves and their lone decisions.
ReplyDelete-- Jennifer Campbell
I believe their is an extreme difference between a community of leaders and "playing politics". When a principal is "playing politics" there us usually no visable (at least to the teachers) reason for change in ideas and policies. The politics of the school would change as readily as the politicians who make them. It would be a game of "don't tell anyone we're doing this, but..." To be a community of leaders the principal and teachers would be able to see their vision and mission for the school being met and the community and school board would show make an effort to recognize this. I believe there are many schools that feel they must "play politics" in order to help their school be successful, thankfully I do not believe we are one of them. We have a strong-willed administration that looks to the betterment of the schools over political gains.
ReplyDeleteThere is a distinct difference in creating a community of leaders and playing politics. When you are creating a community of leaders, their is a shared idea. This structure becomes what drives people to do the things they want to and should be doing. Together everyone involved becomes followers of make things happen "the vision." Playing politics is simply making deals with a very narrow view in mind. The problem with politics is it involves people in a manner which does not get complete positive results. Many things are with the one leader in mind and everyone else is used as a pawn. I have seen many administrators play politics over the years. But the number one thing I have learned about these types of leaders is that they are more concerned with themselves and where they are going than what the students are getting. That is the major difference of the two.
ReplyDeleteJason Morris
I agree with Jennifer, a community of leaders is one that everyone has an opinion and the opinion counts in the schools leadership. Everyone plays a part on one big team. I feel our school is a community of leaders where everyone in on the same page working on the same vision with students being our first focus. However playing politics is where some schools are today. There main focus is not a team which envolves everyones opinion. It is one leader with everyone carry out what the leader thinks needs to be done in their school. I feel this is not a team. This is where only one persons opinion counts and I think this would hurt a school in being success. Jamie Cain
ReplyDeleteI believe that a community of leaders is defined as a sharing of ideas that is collective agreed upon. This is the idea that each school should try to exibit if it wants to have a strong internal community. On the other hand, reality is that an educational leader must play the role of "playing politics". Although this seems to be morally and ethically wrong, we need to sometimes see the "big picture" when making the appopriate choices. We need to be able to see past the situation and how things may effect the individuals involved.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above responses about the largest difference between playing politics and being a community of leaders is that ideas are shared and agreed upon. I agree that alot of times the reality is that as leaders we must play politics. However, if we are a community of leaders, everyone that is there to ensure the success of children shares duties and obligations. Leadership is not a one man show, but a collaborative work in progress. Everyone in the school must feel interdependence.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the above responses. It is very hard to create a community of leaders and play politics at the same time. However, I do believe that in order to be a strong leader you must have a community of leaders to consult with. Through them, your school can have a strong belief system that reflects the whole community. A strong leader is only as good as the people he or she is working with. When the administration starts playing with politics then the belief system of that community can be damaged. The goal of every leader within the school system and in poitics should always be in the best interet of the children.
ReplyDeleteAmy Woodard
Community of Leaders and playing politics are two totally different ideas. Community of leaders involve everyone within the decision making. In our society to get where you need to be playing politics usually play an enormous role. Being a good leader is applying everything you know (such as the ISLCC'S)while trying to meet the political needs to ensure total satisfaction. As prevously stated the "Big Picture" plays a big part in a administration job and the administrator must always look at what could happen in the future.
ReplyDeleteCory Hawks
Carroll County Cohort
As stated in previous posts, a community of leaders is vastly different from "playing politics". To create a community of leaders, you must build a relationship. In a community of leaders, everyone is leading. Everyone must have the same goals in mind and must work together to achieve this goal. Although this is the ideal situation, politics are becoming more and more a part of the educational process and decision making process for schools. "Playing politics" seems to have someone in control of everything doing things in a way that may or may not be best for the school. It pleases those in charge, but doesn't always work out the best. It doesn't seem to be as beneficial as creating a community of leaders.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Reed
I feel that community leaders carry out what is best for the community no matter what. As we must do what is best for children no matter what. However in many situations the line is crossed at some point and time and the community leaders begin to "play politics". And usually it is because of temptation whether it be money or power. Unfortunately pressure from outside sources force community leaders to cave in. I also feel that in smaller communities are easier to change when communtiy leaders start being political. Communities, like everhthing else changes, and so should the leaders, so as not to become "too political".
ReplyDeleteShane Reed CC
A community of leaders connects it's practice to community building. Leadership deals with the relationship between leaders and followers and their mutual purposes. Both followers and leaders do the leading and their roles are blurred. Playing politics, on the other hand, is concerned with thos in charge and "doing things right" whether or not it is in the best interest of the school.
ReplyDeleteCreating a community of leaders would be creating a community for the people, about the people, and in the best interest of the people. Playing politics seems to be more for the purpose of that moment. It benefits only those directly involved but affects many.
ReplyDeleteCreating a community of leaders is about purposing, empowering and followership on the part of the teacher and principal. Playing politics seems like a selfish course of action that only looks out for the one instead of caring about what is in the best interest of the school. It implies paybacks and quid pro quo. None of that is what true, quality leadership looks like.
ReplyDeleteAngie Cornett
Creating a community of leaders involves distributing power and roles to “those who have a legitimate entitlement to claim it.” Assignments are given to individuals regardless of their standing in the community or what the leader may get in return. When viewing leadership as a collaborate and group activity one gives up a little bit of the traditional sense of power. A tough thing to do when you are “playing politics” either for your own benefit or the benefit of others. Thanks, Marlin
ReplyDelete"Playing politics" = saying what people want to here, but not necessarily following through. Creating a community of leaders involves getting people genuinely involved in the decision making process (sometimes people are asked to be part of a "decision making process" only to have their decision not be used, which is not genuine - that's why I made that distinction). This isn't talking the talk which is "playing politics." This is walking the walk of creating a community of leaders.
ReplyDeleteBuilding a community of leaders is totally different from playing politics. A community of leaders will involve people who trust
ReplyDeleteone another and a leader who is effective. Playing politics has nothing to do with that. That game is mostly for personal gain and usually is not for the good of the community.
Jacob Leonard Carroll cohort.
I have to agree with what everyone is saying. There is a major difference between "playing politics" and building a community of leaders. When a leader builds a community of leaders there is a sense of trust and everyone's best interest is taken into account. All stakeholders are willing to work together for the good of the learning community. Christy Sparks
ReplyDeleteBuilding a community of leaders means delegating some of the responsibilities to stakeholders and I beieve it means listening to input of staff, community and students. Sometimes people just want to express their ideas, it makes them more likely to support decisions, even if their input was not the decided outcome. I strongly believe that staff members should all be treated fairly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jason M that when politics enter the school it is easy for the school vision and idea of community to suffer. Everyone should be treated with equal respect. Misty Zyvoloski
A community of leaders has been well described in the above posts. In a community of leaders, involving everyone and including everyone allows for a "community." As far as playing politics, one seems to be in it for themselves. In this case, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
ReplyDeleteI think that having a community of leaders indicates that there is a buying in to the vision and a desire to excell in your own part. While playing politics becomes more of a bartering process in order to achieve an adherance or appearance of adherance to the vision.
ReplyDeleteRusty
Creating a community of leaders can take time. Ideas get shared and some get used and some don't. And that's ok, as long as you are given information about the big picture, that won't allow your idea. As long as everyone is being allowed to contribute their talents, take on new responsibilities, and express themselves you are working toward a community of leaders. I agree that often administrators wear two faces, by striving to create a community of leaders and playing politics. Melissa Gillie
ReplyDeleteWhen a community of leaders is created a sense of collegiality is formed. They have the same purpose, values, and motivation. It is the ideal situation and like the others I agree that it takes time. When "playing politics" selfish motives are prevelent. Team building does not ensue when politics are involved. Unfortunately, there is a lot of politics involved in schools.
ReplyDeleteShelly Goad
Politics mainly just tries to please everyone without really getting down and dirty. A community of leaders requires the principal to get the teachers and staff all on his bandwagon and gain majority support to change things around in the school. This may cause issues to erupt with certain teachers out of fear of change and tradition. It is the principals job to help smooth over any rough feelings in the school "family" and have everyone in support of change.
ReplyDelete