Conceptions of leadership have evolved, and Liberating Leadership Capacity captures these new ideas and provides a pathway to create sustainable systems of high leadership capacity. Available April 2016 from 
A sizzling new novel set in Taos, New Mexico. The third in the Justine Trilogy, preceded by the award-winning, The Cairo Codex and The Italian Letters. Buy it at your local independent bookstore, 
« The Writing of Cairo Diary: an Egyptian fable | Travels in Spain… »
Reflections on a Conversation
On Tuesday last I had the opportunity to visit with Julie Biddle’s urban principal endorsement program candidates at Antioch University by Skype. We were struggling with this notion of framing leadership as larger than person or role, but as reciprocal, purposeful learning in community. Here are a few of their reflections:
• I love the idea of changing my idea of leadership – it’s changing already. I really look forward to this journey and am already enjoying the text. Enjoy a text? What’s that?!
• I used to think that Principals have an S on their chest – Super Human. Now I think that I must develop the skill of building leadership capacity in others.
• I enjoyed meeting Linda and the conversation not only drew me into her journey – onto the road of liberation but also caused me to begin reflecting on my journey of building capacity in leadership. Linda’s statement of leadership toward purpose and change begins my journey. I am looking forward to breaking old paradigms and building more capacity.
• I used to think committees consisted of a few teachers in a building but after reading Linda’s text and talking with her I learned that communication could flow laterally as well or better than top-down.
• One of the most powerful things I’ve learned is that leadership is about learning together. Our conversation with Linda made me realize the importance of the small acts of leadership and the power they have.
• I found it extremely important to see that Linda’s road to this point was genuine and not just philosophical data.
• I used to think that is would be much more difficult to move a school from quadrant to quadrant. I now think that this will be possible. It is evident that our initial move must be in increasing communication if we are to begin to make progress.
• Our conversation with Linda and my reading so far have given me a better appreciation for her definition of leadership. I have not considered the smallest gesture of individuals, such as asking a specific question or sharing insight as a form of leadership. I need to adjust my attitude or response to some people to be more open and receptive.
• I used to think that certain staff members had leadership abilities and should be provided with opportunities to lead in the school. I now know that in order for a school to build capacity and sustainability, everyone must have an opportunity to lead whether formally or informally. I believe that involving everyone and including them in decisions helps to develop ownership, accountability and pride in the operations of the school community. I have also come to realize that community is about healthy relationships that foster unity and shared purpose throughout the organization.
Thanks Julie for sharing these!
We are supposed to leave for Spain this week…but with the Iceland Volcanic ash cloud over Europe, we’re not sure. Perhaps next week I’ll be writing from Spain….
One Response to “Reflections on a Conversation”
Leave a Reply
These students are all part of the Urban Principal Endorsement program at Antioch UNIVERSITY (not college) in Yellow Springs. They are serving as either assistant principals or principals in the Dayton Public Schools. Our conversation with Linda was both enriching and enlightening. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in reciprocal learning. Thanks Linda and thanks to my students!