This week we finished work on a project for the National Art Educator’s Association. The project, an intensive leadership development program for art educators, culminated with each participant submitting a case study of how they have applied their learning from the 6-month program and a final virtual community meeting.
As I read the case studies and listened to each participant share a brief summary of their key learnings, I was awed by the impact of their leadership actions already—and they were just completing the program! People took on new leadership roles, addressed difficult issues, used their voice for advocacy, and made fundamental changes in their priorities so they had more capacity to be an effective leader.
It’s amazing what happens when you give a group of talented, committed people a set of tools and strategies for leadership. But just as important, and perhaps more impactful, is giving them a structure and a space for reflection and for talking with fellow practioners.
Then it struck me that perhaps one of my most important roles as a LD facilitator is to get out of the way. That’s often a tall order. Leadership development consultants have a lot to offer—always more tools, more stories, more advice. And while there is a role for feedback when solicited, often what the learner needs is for us to be quiet and let them think, experiment with leadership actions, and talk with their peers.
I’m getting out of the way of the NAEA SAL grads! As I do so, I wish you all the best as you continue your leadership and make a difference for the field of art education. Thank you for the privilege of being part of your journey.
