Leadership is a complex concept that does not have one-size-fits-all definition. There are lots of different approaches to define this category. Mindy Gibbins-Klein, the founder of REAL Thought Leaders, stated that “leadership is having a vision, sharing that vision and inspiring others to support your vision while creating their own” (Helmrich, 2015). Thus it is even more difficult to determine what effective leadership is. Stan Kimer, the president of Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer, said that “effective leadership is providing the vision and motivation to a team so they work together toward the same goal, and then understanding the talents and temperaments of each individual and effectively motivation each person to contribute individually their best toward achieving the group goal” (Helmrich, 2015). However, the most difficult task is to determine criteria for leader effectiveness that differ dramatically depending on professions. The machinery for measurement the extent of these criteria is absent as the only thing that proves the effectiveness is the result obtained in the end.
Thus the main criteria, which determine the level of teacher leadership effectiveness, are defined by the Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement. The most important one is teaching experience and teaching professionalism. Leaders usually do not follow any particular leadership program or agenda. They use their experience as the fundamental source including acting as mentors, department heads and union representatives. Second criterion is focus on learning and inquiry and engagement in different opportunities to improve the existing practice. Leaders should be those teachers who are involved into continuous development of their own knowledge and who are willing to share it with pupils. Third criterion is idea of team-building, expectation of shared decision making, responsibility and leadership. Teachers must be ready to undertake the responsibility and are achievement oriented. Leaders are those teachers, who monitor improvement efforts, participate in regular administrative meetings and carefully select curriculum. The last criterion is sense of community among teachers that leads to higher professionalism. Teacher leadership also depends on interpersonal relations between teacher and pupils, role of teacher in the learning process of the particular group of students as well as working environment in the school among peers and administrative staff.
Speaking about ministers, it is important to emphasize the fundamental difference: an assistant coach and teacher are the professions involved into educational domain. Religion is absolutely different to education, thus leadership effectiveness should be defined and determined in a different way. According to the project of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, “a definition of leadership in the church that entails a relationship of trust and responsibility in which certain people are entrusted by Christ” (p. 14).
Minister of the church is not simply a member of congregation who is in charge. He acts as a spirit leader and should foster faith and peace. He performs these two difficult tasks at the same time. There is no universal rule on how being the minister become effective leader in terms of observing what is the best for his congregation, because writings of successful leadership might only provide glimpses into leadership approaches and strategies, but never determine the most successful way. Thus, according to the abovementioned project, the main criterion for leader effectiveness of a minister is devotion to Christ and promotion of the Bible. The minister should be an example of faith for all the members of church. The second criterion is responsibility and courage to undertake the management of church. Minister of the Church should be ready to make prompt decisions and act in the name of God. Thirdly, minister should help a congregation to embody in its routine live things that are vital for Christian life. He should be able to explain the customs and riots and to perform them. Fourthly, complex leadership must be ethical as well as effective. Ethical issues are as important for the minister as effectiveness because he must pay attention to the social and ethical consequences of his deeds. Minister should possess an ability to move the society tangibly in the direction that seems to be clearly defined by the Bible.
This means literally being able to lead people towards the goal that is believed to be beneficial for every person in terms of faith and good will (p. 17).
References
Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement. (n.d.). What Does the Research Tell Us about Teacher Leadership? Retrieved from http://www.readingrockets.org/article/what-does-research-tell-us-about-teacher-leadership
Ciulla, J. (2003). Ethics and Leadership Effectiveness. International Leadership Association. Retrieved from http://www.ila-net.org/members/directory/downloads/antonakis-ciulla-13.pdf
Christian Reformed Church in North America. (2005). Effective Leadership in the Church. Retrieved from http://www2.crcna.org/site_uploads/uploads/spe/spe_effectiveleadership.pdf
Helmrich, B. (2015, June). 30 Ways to Define Leadership. Business News Daily. Retrieved from http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/3647-leadership-definition.html
Tucker, K. (n.d.). The Role of an Assistant Coach. The Global Post. Retrieved from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/role-assistant-coach-3143.html
