According to George Couros in his article 8 Characteristics of an Innovative Leader (2014), one must be:
1. Visionary
2. Empathetic
3. Models Learning
4. Open-Risk Taker
5. Networked
6. Observant
6. Team Builder
7. Relationship-Focused
This list has since been updated to include the traits of being a “problem-finder”, resilient, reflective, and a creator.
He goes on to define innovation as “a way of thinking that creates something new and better” and leadership to be “the ability to influence others to move towards positive results.” Who wouldn’t like the sound of that?! But the question remains - as ELL Specialists, how can we be peer leaders and change-makers?
Couros write that we should:
1. Visionary
2. Empathetic
3. Models Learning
4. Open-Risk Taker
5. Networked
6. Observant
6. Team Builder
7. Relationship-Focused
This list has since been updated to include the traits of being a “problem-finder”, resilient, reflective, and a creator.
He goes on to define innovation as “a way of thinking that creates something new and better” and leadership to be “the ability to influence others to move towards positive results.” Who wouldn’t like the sound of that?! But the question remains - as ELL Specialists, how can we be peer leaders and change-makers?
Couros write that we should:
- Have a clear vision
- Be patient yet persistent (my personal favourite)
- Ask tough questions (this aligns with my district’s Indigenous Educators “courageous conversations” ethos)
- Be knowledgeable and lead by example
- Be able to build strong & trusting relationships