Weekly Journal 10-24-00

Section 1:  Preparation for class

The assigned reading for this week was:  Eight Roles of Symbolic Leaders by Deal & Peterson.  This article talks about reading the current school culture followed by shaping the school culture which address the roles of school leaders.  The eight roles discussed are that of the Historian, the Anthropological sleuth, the Visionary, the Symbol, the Potter, the Poet, the Actor, and the Healer.  

The historian seeks to understand the social and normative past of the school.  

The Anthropological Sleuth analyzes and probes for the current set of norms, values, and beliefs that define the current culture.  

The Visionary works with other leaders and the community to define a deeply value-focused picture of the future for the school.  

The Symbol cites actions that send signals to what leaders value including the way offices and classrooms are arranged, the leader's demeanor and actions, using time to communicate priorities, realizing that what is honored  signals values, and that correspondence is a measure of values.  

The Potter shapes culture in the following ways.  Shared values are infused into every aspect of the culture.  Additionally, heroes and heroines are celebrated and rituals are observed as a means of building esprit de corps.  

The Poet uses language to reinforce values and sustain the school's best image of itself.  

The Actor improvises in the school's inevitable dramas, comedies, and tragedies.  

The Healer oversees transitions including the beginnings and endings, events and holidays, key transitional events in the lives of staff, and challenging events n the lives of staff and students. 

Section 2:  Reflections

I thought it was very interesting what the authors indicated about symbols in schools.  It makes sense to me that the way classrooms and offices are arranged reflects what we value although I have never really thought about this before.  I also would agree that our demeanor and actions portray what we really believe about what we are doing at the time we are observed by others.  Others may be able to determine what we value even when we say nothing verbally.  Furthermore, when we use our time for someone, we may be stating that they are of value to us or that we would like to honor them.  Finally, official correspondence is the means by which we may choose to communicate with others and can be used to make some feel valued.

Section 3:  Applications

The thing I found particularly helpful was the example of one leader who allowed for time at the close of meetings for those participating to express positive concerns to the group.  I will attempt to develop a habit of allowing others to "bring the meeting to a close" by citing positives that can be taken to the community culture once the meeting is over.

Section 4:  "Light Bulb Moments?"

I guess the only "light bulb moment" that I had was the realization that ll the roles of these symbolic leaders could occur simultaneously.  I should be able to evaluate my leadership and incorporate aspects of several or all of the roles listed in this article in attempting to become a more efficient leader.

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