Visionary Leaders as Risk Takers

"Many of us in the early childhood profession have a temperament less inclined toward risk. In fact, most directors associate the idea of risk with liability and strive to keep everything safe, literally and figuratively. But if you are to be a leader and move your program forward toward a larger vision, you will need to cultivate yourself as a risk taker."This is the observation of Margie Carter and Deb Curtis in The Visionary Director. In the book they ask if you are a risk taker and visionary. They ask which of these statements feel most like you?

• I avoid taking risks and tend to put my head in the sand when it comes to big changes that are required.

• When I feel something really needs changing, I'm willing to stick my neck out.

• I'm always ready to challenge the status quo, to speak up or advocate for something that obviously needs changing.

• My program is pretty close to how I want it to be.

• I have a list of changes that need to be made if our program is going to meet our profession's definitions of quality.

• My vision for our program goes far beyond what is typically discussed in our professional literature. I have big dreams and am willing to work to achieve them.

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