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In my EDL 610 course, which is Visionary Leadership, we are working on developing a leadership platform. This is meant to be my non-negotiables post as I create this platform.
These are items that I expect of myself, and in turn, expect of those who work with me. First and foremost, our work will be done with the highest ethical standard. This means that we operate in compliance of the law, and always doing what is best for those we serve. There are instances where there can be no interpretation - we operate in total compliance, from the beginning and until the end. Next up is transparency. I believe in being open, honest and forthcoming with the information at hand. I do not believe in keeping information out of the hands of anyone. If were are all on the same page, we can use our own skill-sets to bring creative solutions to the table when needed. It is not possible to bring solutions if all of the available information is not shared. Transparency also means having the courage to say when you do not know something and taking responsibility to help find the answers. A third non-negotiable is being present and engaged. We are part of a team for a reason, so be present and engaged with your skill-sets and abilities, and offer them to the organization to move it forward. Use your passions to inspire others to be change agents and difference makers. In my EDL 610 course, which is Visionary Leadership, we are working on developing a leadership platform. This is meant to be my leadership style post as I create this platform.
I am a firm believer in transparency, and ensuring everyone is in the know of where we are, and where we are going. When a decision is made, I believe in sharing the 'why' of that decision so there can be greater understanding throughout the organization. Before reaching that decision, though, I believe in bringing a team together to talk through the situation and talking through opportunities to solve the issue at hand. I do not believe in edicts from on high, rather, involving others to come up with the best possible solution. I believe in being open and honest, and of having an open door policy. I am hopeful my colleagues see this leadership style in how I operate on a daily basis. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and involving others in that pursuit. I hope to continue to model this leadership style and way of thinking. In my EDL 610 course, which is Visionary Leadership, we are working on developing a leadership platform. This is meant to be my professional experience post as I create this platform.
My background is in nonprofit management, with focus on communication and development. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in history and political science, while working as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Fowlerville District Library. I oversaw the communications for the library, interacted with patrons and facilitated programs for the community. After five (5) years I changed gears and moved to South Florida to work in Undergraduate Admissions at Barry University. In this role I met with and assisted prospective students map out a potential educational path at Barry, and at times, pointed them to other schools where they might find more success or a program that better aligned with their interest areas. I also served on a few boards, working to give back to the community and be involved and engaged in the area. After some time in South Florida, I moved to the Washington, DC area and worked for several different non-profits. The last stint was with ServiceSource as their Manager, Community Relations. In this role I worked on marketing and communications, along with fundraising and volunteer management. The organization provided opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. It was rewarding, to tell their story of achieving independence, and of providing resources to ensure this independence. Originally from Michigan, I found an opportunity to come home through Detroit Public TV and took it. I worked as the Manager, Major Giving for several years, facilitating the philanthropic goals of our donors to the mission and vision of DPTV. Again, all the while, serving the community on several boards, including one that kept me in education. I was serving on the Academy of Arts and Sciences Charter School Board. After a time of change, an opportunity arose to become the CEO for this school and help it weather a unique storm. I would not be where I am today without the experiences I have had. This path has allowed me to hone by ability to make connections, with fellow staff, with community members, with stakeholders. It has allowed me to understand and appreciate the responses given to questions posed, to reflect and become engaged. It has allowed me to see the big picture, the light at the end of the tunnel, the vision -- and in turn, be able to help others navigate the vision and be truly be part of the success of the organization. It has been a great journey, and there is still much more to come ... In my EDL 610 course, which is Visionary Leadership, we are working on developing a leadership platform. This is meant to be my personal story post as I create this platform.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I believe education is about preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future success, whether that is to continue to earn a bachelors degree after graduating high school, or entering the workforce. The choice is theirs and they will have the tools to be successful. I was inspired throughout high school to take personal responsibility. I was lucky to be part of a state-wide organization and national organization, dedicated to providing sport and recreation opportunities for athletes with disabilities. I was encouraged by teachers, friends, peers, to be involved with the Michigan Disability Sports Alliance and National Disability Sports Alliance. The community came out and helped me start a team in my hometown, the Howell Yellow Jackets. I was being given the skills to take responsibility for my success and the success of others. I learned how to create and manage budgets, to advocate for support, to be engaged. These activities happened outside the classroom. I was still being engaged in the classroom, but encouraged to participate in outside activities to enhance my learning. I believe these opportunities should be available to anyone and everyone who seeks them. This is why I have been a firm supporter of created scholar-driven clubs at AAS, though some did not understand how a virtual, online charter school could operate such activities. Where there is a will, there is a way. I learned this at a young age, if you want something to happen you have to put in the work to make it happen. Personal responsibility. It can be modeled, it can be replicated. It can be achieved. If it were not for the opportunities I was provided, I would not be where I am today. I would not be a 32-year-old leader of a charter school system. It took the drive to take responsibility for my future success, and I will work tirelessly to ensure I help our scholars be prepared as well. In my EDL 610 course, which is Visionary Leadership, we are working on developing a leadership platform. This is meant to be my belief post as I create this platform.
I firmly believe that every child should be given all the tools they need to be successful on their chosen path. This does not mean being spoon-fed answers and information; rather, the skills to ask the right questions and be able to make informed decisions and choices based on those answers. I was proud of my AAS staff who came together to rewrite our vision statement earlier this year, which in part reads "inspiring scholars to appreciate the ways in which arts and sciences nurture a curiosity for life-long learning, and prepare scholars to take responsibility for their future success." I share this sentiment - I believe education is about preparing scholars to take responsibility for their future success, whether that is to continue to earn a bachelors degree after graduating high school, or entering the workforce. The choice is theirs and they will have the tools to be successful. |
AuthorJ.J. Lewis - a blog sharing the development of my leadership platform in SDSU's MA.EL. EDL 610 course. Archives
December 2016
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