A teacher with a long-term vision would aspire to be a leader someday, and each one of us has the ability to attain this position. To rise above our circumstances, all we need is dedication and passion. We then, aren’t far from achieving success.
I strongly believe that a good leader is essentially a good listener. As a leader, you need to let people know you care by listening to what they have to say. Many a times, you may be able to diffuse a situation by allowing your team members to vent. This makes them feel like they matter.
Taking cues and learning from your team considerably improves their level of confidence. It would also help immensely if leaders learn to appreciate when a good idea is put forth. This helps the leader capture the hearts and minds of the members in the team. Mother Teresa once said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” This explains why leaders need to appreciate and include their team while taking crucial decisions.
Allowing students to emulate you by taking them on your path of leadership is to show them where to look but curtaining them from what they have to see. They look up to you only if you manage to inspire them. Their faith in your work and dedication, as you become their mentor, would aspire them to become leaders. In order to make learning into something that lasts, it is imperative to make it a joyful experience.
Tell your teachers, to be unafraid and strong individuals who ask what they want, believe they need it, and are prepared to get it. As leaders we need to be close enough to relate to them, yet ahead to motivate them. A sure sign of success for any leader would be his/her team working with self-direction. This helps the team to initiate change, and create a culture of individuals who want to contribute and make a difference, rather than waiting for change to find them.
A leader needs to teach, encourage, mentor, influence, guide and inspire. As a leader, I have noticed that even a meeting held at the end of the day could be made fun with a little humor, a few warm up games or an ice breaker. It rejuvenates the team. Form a sunshine committee that can create innovative and cheerful ideas for ice breaker sessions. A new sunshine committee should be formed every fortnight to keep the entire team involved. The meetings then would transform into an event that the team looks forward to. Change the venue of the meetings often. One can always opt to gather outdoors and in informal setups within the campus. A change in the environment helps the team to absorb a leader’s ideas better.
A leader is imitated no matter what, so remember to give them something worth imitating. Make an impact. Always remember, being a 21st century leader is a challenge and as a leader, you need to walk the talk in order to be an inspiring mentor and guide.

Preeti Desai, Founder Principal of two leading schools, of the IGCSE and ICSE boards, holds over 34 years of work experience. An associate director of a group of schools in Pune, she has been an active member in the education sector for a span of 27 years, with 7 years work experience in the corporate sector. Ms. Desai has worked with a renowned media house and also written and edited books for leading publishers. She is the recipient of the Government Open Merit Scholarship and holds an interest in creative writing and public speaking.
Really inspiring
Thank you Mamta. Glad that you liked the article.
Well written Preeti
I enjoyed reading your article. You are right every teacher can aspire to be a great leader
Thank you for your kind words.
Very nice article. Keep it up!
Thank you Rashmi. I am glad you liked the article. Since this has worked for me, I thought of sharing it.
Very true. A good leader needs to be a good listener with a touch of humour, and change in venue will give better result. I thank Rashmi Asher my sister-in-law who shared your article. Would love to meet you someday. Thank You.
Thank you Naina.Would love to meet you too.
Preeti, your words are so simple and yet so deep, genuine and inspiring. Leading will be an easy task if every teacher and child worker adopts this attitude! Thank you.
Thanks Ragini.
Ma’am read your article , really appreciating your clearly written and thought provoking article Truly encouraging for every individual.looking forward to reading your next article.keep these good articles coming ..love u ma’am..