Everyone can be a leader. Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, and there are times when everyone has an opportunity to step up and be a leader. This can occur within your church, your child's soccer team, at your local animal shelter, and even at school. Leadership is about finding your passion and helping others discover theirs. It is about understanding the need to step up and guide others so that an impact can be made for the betterment of those around you.
I remember in my administrator program a discussion we had early on about Informal and Formal Leadership. My professor was discussing the many different way people take on leadership roles around campus. He was mentioning that you have your formal leaders and your informal leaders.
Formal leaders have titles of principal, assistant principal, director, coordinator, department chair, PLC lead, coach, etc. They don't necessarily have to be an administrator, but there is usually some sort of distinction because of certifications or accomplishments that have led them to those positions.
Informal leaders do not necessarily have a title and are held in high regard by their peers. These individuals are go-to people on campus that everyone goes to and asks for advice. They might be your veteran teacher who shows the ropes to the newer teachers, the teacher who has the ear of the principal, or even someone who understands technology and shows others.
There is a place for all sorts of leadership within a school campus and it should be embraced within the school culture. There is no doubt that I wouldn't be where I am at because of the formal and informal leadership roles I have had along the way. What it started with, however, was the belief that I could help others regardless of whether or not I was in a formal position to do so. Who says you need a title to give advice to a colleague new to the profession, demonstrate a cool new app that will make someone's life a little easier, help out in the after school program, step up and be a role model for your academy students. We all have the potential to lead everyday! Don't be be afraid to find your passion and use it to lead and inspire others.
Thanks for reading and until next time, enjoy the journey!
-Eddie
