Last week, ASCD had an item in its briefs online alluding to the importance of remembering and carrying forward the lessons of various experiences to success as a leader. As I am typing this, I am realizing that this is just another way of saying that reflection is important, but I think it is more than that in this case. Obviously, you have to do as the sign says at the bottom of this posting if you yourself are going to benefit from experience. However, I think what always contributed to my success as a teacher educator was that I shared my experiences and the learning that came from that with my students. They always were so appreciative when I told them what had happened to me and how I had handled what had happened to me and the lessons I had learned from those experiences. I guess another way of saying that is to pay it forward. I strongly believe that one of my roles in my work with Leadership Niagara will be to share my own experiences in things that i have done and what has worked and what hasn't and how to make it work for others. It is not enough for us to learn from our mistakes or remember our successes, true leadership has to include sharing that learning and that reflection so that we can inspire others to follow in our footsteps. I know how often one of my friends or colleagues will say that to me. I inspire them and I can see why now a bit better. By helping them over the obstacles or showing them the way to success, I make it easier for them to feel the same success I have felt or reflect on their errors and misses so that they don't lose hope of making it eventually. The secret is not to be afraid to open ourselves up to others and show them success and failure, in your self.
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