By Alex Kajitani
As education leaders, at times it can feel like we’re saying the same thing, over and over again, with little effect. Effective leadership means communicating many messages--such as getting people to believe in the work we do, take action, support change, and stick with it until a job is completed.
Sometimes, we just need everything summed up in a short, inspiring video. This month, I offer five leadership-themed videos (each under four minutes) that you can use to keep yourself and your team inspired to start, continue or reflect upon the important work you do together.
Lessons of the Geese
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hazitrxzhPk
A brilliant commentary on distributed leadership and the need for cooperation and teamwork in a high-functioning group. A great video to show when a leader is transitioning in or out of a formal leadership role, or when a staff member needs extra support.
First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ
Humorous and entertaining, this video demonstrates the importance of creating value for our mission--and the need to surround ourselves with those who believe in the work we are doing! This is a wonderful video to show when rolling out a new project or initiative and when the need to get buy-in from others is important.
Ken Blanchard: It’s Always the Leader
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS0cpKj1bLY
In this fun, animated video, leadership guru Ken Blanchard recounts his unusual experience visiting the DMV and shows how one leader transformed this dreaded destination from a place of toxicity and inefficiency to one of positivity and efficiency. A powerful video to show when embarking on a school improvement/turnaround plan, especially one that involves staff working to improve the school they’ve been at for a long time.
The Power of Words
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU
As leaders the words we use determine the messages others hear and often determine whether our work is ultimately successful or not. This touching video reminds leaders that authenticity and positivity are always more effective than mandates and memos that leave staff members short on understanding of why they do their work.
Lead India: The Tree
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uep0jdfaMdc
Sometimes real leadership is one person making one decision that ends up affecting many others. This video is a great reminder of why we, as educators, wake up each day to do the work that we do. It can be used to motivate students and staff members who might be paralyzed by the current state of their experiences.
Have a leadership video that you would recommend? Please tell us about it in the comments below.
Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and the author of Owning It, named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education. He speaks across the country to teachers and students on motivation and leadership.
