Weekly Journal 11-07-00

Section 1:  Preparation for class

In preparation for class this week, I read chapters 3, 4, and 5 in A Failure of Nerve and Chapter 18 in the Educational Reader.  Chapter 3 discussed the fallacy of expertise and the abuse of data.  Chapter 4 discussed the fallacy of empathy and how empathy often replaces responsibility.  Chapter 5 discussed the fallacy of self and how our society sees one who is self-differentiated in a stereotype that signifies autocracy and selfishness.  Chapter 18 in the Educational reader dealt with the many forms of leadership including servant leadership and the shift of the concept of "power over" to a concept of "power to".

Section 2:  Reflections

Upon reflecting on the reading, I began to consider the use of empathy with regard to educational leadership.  I think that we often focus on peoples feelings rather than their (and our) responsibilities.  I also believe that, aside from being "pulled off the bridge", we are not helping the person we are "giving" empathy if it allows that person to "NOT" take responsibility for his/her actions. I do not want someone to make me feel good about something if I need them to make me feel RESPONSIBLE instead. We need to look at what will make people more successful rather than what will make them feel better.

Section 3:  Applications

I can apply this to my life by realizing that what needs to be said in certain situations may not be something that will make a person feel good about that situation.  This is hard for me because I tend to overemphasize positive reinforcement.  Therefore, I will need to make a conscious effort to "check" myself when someone needs to be told the truth rather than something that will only make them feel good (and may inhibit their taking responsibility for their actions).

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