Kristi Lewis

EDUD 6322
January 26, 2017

January Assignment

My beliefs in the area of academic leadership in multicultural and global education is

always to remain firm, fair, and consistent. Experts and consultants in the field are always great

resources to probe in order to gain a greater knowledge base on material that one may be

unfamiliar with. Dynamics in education are continuously diversifying and moving into more

elastic territory, therefore, innovators in the profession must keep up or get left behind in regards

to multicultural and global education. I feel as though I need growth in the intellectual capital as

it deals with global leadership to learn more about the specifics as well as constantly being a

lifelong learner. In the article Educating Global Leaders it states, Lest we quickly dismiss this

discussion of intercultural competence as something only needed for organizational leaders who

physically travel to foreign sites, we must remind ourselves of the increasing cultural

diversification within and around organizations (Irving, n.d.). Relating this information to the

everyday setting in my current school climate would be familiar because I do work with diverse

populations daily. I would definitely have to work on changing my mindset in order to gain the

global skill set to be successful in global leadership.

Three leadership qualities that I have internalized thus far are Competence,

Accountability, and Openness. Each of these different facets are impactful of the characteristics

of a great leader. In order to move a body of people or organization in the way in which one

would want them to go, a great leader must be influential to the people both personally and

professionally. The competence puzzle piece consists of four core traits which are intellectual,

emotional, strategic, and instinctive (Bethel, 2009). The intellectually competent piece is

pertinent in order for a true leader to recognize skills and abilities in team members, as well as,

for the leader to be able to reevaluate ones own self. The emotional competence is an area in
 Kristi Lewis
EDUD 6322
January 26, 2017

which I have found personal growth by gaining self-discipline in certain situations, managing

conflict, being influential on campus, and putting great efforts into team building as well as

understanding different cultures and how to relate and communicate with them.

A personal reflection regarding leadership competency was my Summer school Principal

experience. The opportunity was graciously received, nevertheless, I was faced with several

challenges along the way. Notably with two incidents occurring that I had to face instantaneously.

The first being after the state decided to dismiss 5th and 8th graders from summer school because

the 3rd STAAR administration was no longer being administered. Since the test was not

administered, the students were no longer held accountable for passing the test in order to receive

promotion to the next grade level. Summer school employment is contingent upon student

enrollment, therefore, I had to release two teachers. Thankfully, we were staffed with some Kelly

Service employees so I let the two substitute teachers go. That was a difficult task to complete,

being as though it was my first time ever having to tell someone their position was being dissolved.

Thereafter, I had to reconfigure classrooms and student-teacher ratios which was also an unexpected

change, however, I completed those task seamlessly. Although difficult because it was difficult

emotionally to know that those two individuals were out of a job for the summer, it was a job that in

most administrative capacities must be done.

The second feat of the summer that had to be addressed was that the secretary was bringing

her kids to work. I gave the building principal common courtesy to address the issue, however, in

short, he did not because it was one of his regular school employees. Undoubtedly, during the

regular school year that school allows certain things to happen on campus that really shouldnt. I

addressed the secretary in my office with my assistant principal present. I asked the secretary was
 Kristi Lewis
EDUD 6322
January 26, 2017

there any particular reason as to why her children were at work with her and she simply responded

because I dont have a babysitter. I reviewed policy with her and asked her to make other

arrangements. The next day she notified me via email that at the she would no longer be able to

work. I responded and told her it had been a pleasure working with her and I definitely understood.

Again, going back to the competence matters puzzle piece my emotions were high, nevertheless this

summer gave me a skillset to last me a lifetime in making tough decisions in the best interest of the

district as well as to stay aligned with policy. I had to display instinct, intellect, and strategic skills

in order to successfully withstand in a leadership capacity, all while keeping my emotions in check.

I still need to stretch, change, and grow in the area of patience. Though, I feel like Ive

grown a lot in the area of patience by thoroughly communicating with my followers. There is still

work to be done.
 Kristi Lewis
EDUD 6322
January 26, 2017

References

Bethel, S.M. (2009). A new breed of leader: 8 leadership qualities that matter most in the real

world. New York, New York: Berkley Books.

Fullan, M. (2007). The new meaning of educational change. 4th Ed. New York, New York:

Teachers College Press.

Irving, J. A. (n.d.).Educating global leaders: Exploring Intercultural competence in

leadership education. In Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies. (pp. 1-

14). Bethel University