In Tony Wagner's book, The Global Achievement Gap, he summarized the conversation that he held with the "... vice president for Global Talent Management at Dell Computers." This business leader told Mr. Wagner, "... that his greatest concern was young people's lack of leadership skills. "Kids just out of school have an amazing lack of preparedness in general leadership skills and collaborative skills," he explained. They lack the ability to influence versus direct and command." In other words, the only kind of leadership young people have experience is one that relies on obedience versus the kind of reasoning and persuasion that is the new leadership style demanded by businesses organized in teams and networks (p. 26)."
Do you agree with the Vice President of Global Talent Management at Dell Computers? Do you notice students relying on obedience verses problem solving and reasoning? What best practices happen at your school to promote leadership?
I agree with the need to develop strong leaders. However, I don't believe it is an obedience issue as he implies. The students are, for the most part, followers. It is easier to nod and agree than to formulate an opinion and back it up.
ReplyDeleteWe need more activities to promote leadership.
Do you notice that students in your class wait for you to tell them exactly what to do or do they attempt to be creative and problem solve on their own?
DeleteI see SOME students stretching beyond "obedience leadership". They are often the same students that are obedient day in and day out regardless of where they are in life.
ReplyDeleteSo then the question is...What are we going to do/change to promote problem solving for ALL students.
DeleteDo you believe that leaders have similar qualities? Do you think students know what leadership qualities look like?
DeleteIn my class, if students want to complain about something, I don't address it unless they also propose a solution for the problem. Took forever at the beginning of the year to get them trained, but it has really made a difference in how my students problem solve.
ReplyDeleteIs finding an answer to a complaint being a problem solver?
DeleteChildren, young and old, are continuously being told what to do at work, school, by the media,their friends and at home. They are not used to being given the opportunity to contemplate or decide. Just do it!
ReplyDeleteHow do we implement this opportunity to make decisions at school or in the classroom, that really provide opportunities for students to show their leadership?
DeleteI think the expection of graduates has evolved over time. With the adoption of technology and the ever changing work world, the preparation of students must also change. Unfortunately, the support for these changes is not readily available. Leadership has changed. What once constituted sufficient skills for business would now be considered archaic. However, these are some of the very resources that continue to be available to those who are preparing students for the world.
ReplyDeletewell said!
DeleteThe role of leadership has changed over the years! But, are we providing the example of leadership that exemplifies problem solving, and collaboration to our students?
DeleteI feel that he is implying that all classrooms are teacher centered, when the reality in our classrooms is that the kids are very much in control of their own learning in a student centered classroom. Our kids have many opportunities to work in groups where they are required to communicate with each other and to cooperate with their team members. These are skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
ReplyDeletePreparing students for their future life demands is a huge task. Often upper grade students are able to progress with the times but do we see them understanding the responsibility that comes with technology and the fast paces world?
DeleteGuiding students to learn how to be independent should be a postive move to working and problem-solving for themselves. Additionally, students can be unbelievable resources for problem-solving when given the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Karen! These students will surprise us with their leadership ideas when the opportunity presents itself.
DeleteWe have a school of leaders just waiting for the opportunity to utilize their leadership skills. The big questions is how to make that happen?
DeleteI agree with the comment about today's students lacking the skill of reasoning & persuasion. In my opinion, the current state of education lends itself to "in the box" thinking versus "out of the box." Hopefully, we can infuse technology, more cooperative learning opportunities and critical thinking activities that build our students' leadership and reasoning skills while at the same time ensuring they are mastering grade level standards.
ReplyDeleteHow to we jump out of the box and create 21st Century leaders at our school?
DeleteMany students want to be told what to do, so they know what they are doing is "right". They don't want to risk failure. We need to create safe environments where they can learn and grow from mistakes.
ReplyDeleteIs structure the same as obedience?
DeleteIn kindergarten it is difficult to not apply this obedience leadership since they are learning to be students and follow the rules...but we try to incorporate and observe their leadership in different subject areas
ReplyDeleteThe concept regarding obedience is very interesting. I often see students waiting for directions and hesitant to step up to be a leaders because they don't want to be wrong. So, I wonder is trying to be perfect causing student to not branch out and take risk?
DeleteMy personal experience with a few young adults is that they feel entitled and expect things to automatically happen for them. Instead of obedience, many young adults are more defiant towards their bosses.
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective. So, I wonder if today's generation is just mirror their adult examples.
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ReplyDeleteToday's over-reliance on multiple-choice standardized tests which teach students that there is only ever one right answer to a problem is encouraging the obedience versus collaborative leadership seen today.
ReplyDeleteIt is commendable that our teachers expose our students to a variety of subjects and experiences including music, art, and dance which help curb the students' standardized learning. With these experiences the students are learning different ways of seeing and analyzing their environment and are also learning a range of means to productively express themselves.