Leadership: dance vs data
Managers reach for data, but leaders offer more in difficult times writes Stephanie Jackiewicz.
While data is necessary, we need a different style of leadership, one based on relationships—something at which early childhood educators excel.
‘The only thing that is constant is change’—Heraclitus.
This quote from Greek philosopher Heraclitus captures his ‘insistence on ever-present change as being the fundamental essence of the universe’ (Good Reads). The pace of change and the level of uncertainty society is experiencing is unprecedented. Never more than now have we looked to the leaders to show us the way. So what does this mean for leaders in the early childhood sector?
Like most other sectors early childhood has become data driven, with reports on all manner of information. All of this data is useful when making decisions, predictions or when reporting to the authorities using elegant dashboards. These are tools commonly used by management in their decision making, however in a time of rapid change and uncertainty it is not data that will lead the way, it is the human spirit that will lead us through these challenging times.
The qualities required of leaders during this time are those of servant leadership. This approach is distinguished by serving people; never before has servant leadership been more pertinent. Servant leaders are able to relate to others, show emotional strength and develop trust and respect amongst others, they put themselves before their teams. Most significantly the servant leader leads with humility (Blanchard and Broadwell, 2018).
Early childhood leaders show strong servant leadership, they are ‘expert at developing relationships, their leadership has always necessitated deep human qualities and required them to go beyond the conventional notions of authority’ (Lewis, 2012). They are guided by the ECA Code of Ethics in their decision making, ensuring results are accomplished with integrity. Currently early childhood educators are being touted as ‘essential workers’ alongside health workers and other emergency service personnel. It is because of servant leadership qualities early childhood is taking the lead and providing care and education for children during this high risk period, putting the needs of others before themselves. It is these qualities that will hold early childhood leaders in good stead to navigate the current crisis.
The principles that underpin practice in early childhood also strengthen leadership; secure respectful and reciprocal relationships, partnerships, equity, diversity and ongoing learning (Belonging, Becoming and Being, 2012). It is through the positive relationships with others that leaders will find the way forward. Partnerships are crucial to ensure decisions are based on the collective knowledge and understanding as leaders strive for equitable and effective ways to lead the sector. While leadership is both an individual and collective responsibility, this is not a time for individualism but rather collectivism. Cultures such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures support the understanding of a collectivist approach.
The pace of change and uncertainty being experienced is draining and difficult to navigate even for the most experienced leader. It is not the data or the traditional management style that will bring us through this but those who lead with kindness, who are resilient and brave, who took chances in this unknown space and are quick to adapt to the new world order. It is a delicate dance between leader and servant. One does not diminish the other, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow, but always you think of the other person.
References
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- Belonging, Becoming and Being (2012) Early Years Learning Framework.
- Blanchard, K and Broadwell, R.(eds) (2018) Servant Leadership in Action, Polvera Publishing, Oakland California
- Fasoli, L., Scrivens, C., & Woodrow, C. (2007). Challenges for leadership in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Australian early childhood contexts. In L. Keesing-Styles & H. Hedges (Eds), Theorising early childhood practice: Emerging dialogues. Sydney, NSW: Pademelon Press.
- Good reads Available at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/77989.Heraclitus
