What is a shared vision?

What is vision? What are the components of a shared vision?

A vision is the direction in which a campus wants to move with regard to teaching and learning. Visions share common points. Visions must be clear and compelling as well as having the ability to be bought into by stakeholders. It must be firmly set into teaching and learning with learning not being only directed toward the students. A vision must have our customers’ best interests at the forefront. A shared vision must be important to all stakeholders or it will falter. It must have a clearly defined sense of purpose and decipher what is important to the campus at large.

What are the steps in developing, articulating, and implementing a shared vision? How does your campus articulate its vision?

According to the North Central Educational Laboratory, the first step would be to study the importance of even having a vision and the effects on success rates. If a company does not have a clear understanding as to where the company is headed or where they would like to be, then the business has a slim chance of survival. The next step is to find an organization that can aid in the development of a vision that is conducive to the environment in which it is being built. Observing other campuses and getting a feel for their culture is also a major step in the development of a campus vision. Collaboration is a key component to creating a shared vision. Working together with teams, “posting it in every classroom,” is imperative for buy-in (North Central Educational Laboratory). Finally, celebrations of successes are an integral part. It is important to allow visionaries to discuss the good times as well as the needs of the vision and its implementation. Our campus has a vision statement, but off the top of my head, I could not quote it. I am sure that it has something to do with creating an environment where all kids can learn. However, as a teacher on  campus, it is important that I know the vision so that I am better equipped to carry it out. I need to be able to hide the vision in my heart and make it the core of what I do on a daily basis. If I am not sure what the vision is or if it is not articulated, then how am I equipped to articulate it to other stakeholders, especially the students?

How can you use what you learned at these Web sites to help you articulate your personal vision of leadership?

I have learned that vision is not merely the coming up of a statement that hangs on a wall for people to see. It is walking that belief system. It is carrying out with actions what was said in words. I have learned that there is a process to creating a vision that includes working with people from successful organizations and seeing the process come together. It is soliciting communication between and among all stakeholders in order to establish a vision that can be achieved. With regard to my personal view on leadership, I can take these steps and follow them to fruition. I have a personal vision of leadership that involves the above steps of creating a vision statement. My personal style of leadership is dependent on the situation. There are certain instances that require different styles. For example, when making a decision that requires an immediate answer, I may not solicit collaboration from my team members. The important thing for me is to practice the different styles when the chance arises.

With regard to the campus improvement process, why do you think it is important for the principal to have a personal vision of leadership?

The principal is ultimately responsible for the accountability of the school. It is their “neck,” so to speak, that is at risk. Principals need to develop a style of leadership that uses collaborative processes to hold teachers and students accountable for the teaching and learning. Principals need to utilize the expertise of their staff in order to increase the knowledge base of students. Principals need to be overseers of the product we are handing out to students. They need to be in and out of classrooms monitoring the delivery of instruction to students. Their leadership style needs to be reflected in their everyday practice.