Community

Community

Reading Peter Block’s book, “Community” raised some questions.  As I look to move into the role of Superintendent how will I ensure that I am hearing all of the voices that need to be in the conversation?  What will I do to bring those voices to the discussion and how will I work to bring the dissenting or opposing views to a degree of understanding? 

I found the concept of the “human system” unique.  We talk about communities but in what context do we understand the word community.  Block takes the stance that we must listen to all stakeholders and in doing so we must actually hear what is being said.  As leaders we must learn to listen in place of advocating or defending a position.  I am going to have to work on this concept as I move toward a position of Superintendent. 

We talk often in education about our mission and vision but to truly create the mission or vision that is most effective we need to hear what everyone is saying.  As a leader the major challenge with this is the ability to quiet the loudest voices.  How do we get the group to reflect on all opinions? 

The thought that “questions are more transforming than answers” made me reflect on how I will use this in the future.  We discussed in the class using the 5 whys and I believe that will be a great tool to have as I look to lead in my current position as well as in the future when I am working as a Superintendent.