Courage of Leaders

Eager to identify and recognize the next generation of leaders to carry the torch for early care and education, last year Exchange launched the Exchange Leadership Initiative. The May/June issue of Exchange, which hit the streets on May 4, presents the initial results of this search by identifying these Emerging Leaders. Maurice Sykes, who participated on the Review Team for this search, offers this advice in his new book, Doing the Right Thing for Children: Eight Qualities of Leadership, to all emerging leaders in our field:

"To know what you stand for is to create a guiding star that is unique to you and your vision for the early childhood education system. Our actions define us, and our values should always direct our actions. When we act on our own fundamental truths, we are really giving ourselves identity.... Those who we purport to lead see the courage of our actions and respect us for them. This arrangement not only enables us to be even more effective as leaders, but [also] inspires those we lead to act courageously for what they believe in as well.

"Being unshakeable in your core values give you the courage to say what needs to be said even when you anticipate there may be negative consequences for you personally. The fact that you will be ridiculed for pointing out a problem or presenting a new idea does not dissuade you from bringing it to light. The possibility of becoming dissociated from your peers for your beliefs holds no sway over the beliefs themselves and does not hinder you from acting on them.  When your values are more important than your job, you embody the courage required to be a truly effective leader in this field."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site