Week 3 Assignment - Educational Leader Interview

Week 3 Assignment - Educational Leader Interview

For this assignment, you are to conduct an interview of an educational leader (current or retired). In the preparation studies in Weeks 1 and 2, you were asked to draft possible questions for the interview. You are required to demonstrate understanding of leadership theories and roles of the leader you interviewed by writing a 2–3-page paper analyzing the style of that leader. Upon completion of the interview, review the leadership theories and determine which theory is most similar in style to that of the interviewee.

Instructions: Write a 2–3-page paper analyzing the style of the leader you interviewed. Develop a set of 5–7 interview questions related to leadership theories. Conduct an interview with an educational leader that allows you to gain knowledge about their specific style of leadership. Evaluate leadership theory and principles for their role in education administration. Determine the theory that is most similar in style to that of the interviewee. Use two sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of leadership in education has been extensively studied, with numerous theories attempting to explain what constitutes effective leadership. In conducting an interview with an educational leader, whether current or retired, it becomes possible to gain insights into real-world leadership practices and compare these with established leadership theories. This paper aims to analyze the leadership style of the interviewed individual, examining how their practices align with specific leadership theories, and to identify the theory most closely related to their approach.

To facilitate a comprehensive understanding, I developed a set of seven interview questions aimed at understanding the leader’s philosophy, decision-making processes, motivation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and approaches to change management. Example questions included: “How would you describe your overall leadership style?”, “Can you share an experience where you had to lead during a crisis?”, and “What role do communication and collaboration play in your leadership practice?”. These questions were designed to extract insights into the leader’s behaviors and principles, which can then be mapped onto established leadership theories such as transformational, transactional, servant, or distributed leadership.

The interview revealed that the leader primarily employs a transformational leadership style. This individual emphasized inspiring and motivating staff, fostering a shared vision, and empowering teachers and students alike. They described their approach to leadership as one that emphasizes support, encouragement, and a focus on personal growth among staff members. For example, they highlighted instances where they initiated professional development programs to enhance staff skills and fostered community collaboration through shared values and goals. Such behaviors are characteristic of transformational leaders who seek to elevate and inspire their teams to achieve beyond expectations (Bass & Avolio, 1994).

In reviewing leadership theories, transformational leadership aligns most closely with the interviewee’s described practices. Transformational leaders focus on inspiring followers through vision, enthusiasm, and personal example, often leading to higher levels of engagement and performance (Northouse, 2018). This style is particularly relevant in educational settings where motivation, innovation, and community building are crucial for success.

While the leader demonstrated elements of transactional leadership, such as recognizing achievements and setting goals, their primary emphasis was on transformational traits. They placed significant importance on moral and ethical considerations, demonstrated through their emphasis on fostering integrity and trust within their staff and students. Additionally, servant leadership principles were evident in their focus on serving the needs of others, prioritizing the well-being of staff and students over personal gain, and leading with humility (Greenleaf, 1977).

In conclusion, the interviewee’s leadership style most closely resembles transformational leadership, supplemented by elements of servant leadership. Their emphasis on inspiring others, fostering a shared vision, and supporting professional and personal growth aligns well with theoretical models that emphasize motivation and ethical conduct in leadership. Understanding these connections enhances the practical application of leadership principles in education and provides a pathway for emerging leaders to adopt effective strategies rooted in empirical theory.

References

• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Leithwood, K., & Jantzi, D. (2005). A review of transformational leadership research. Educational Administration Quarterly, 41(3), 399-448.
• Antonakis, J., & House, R. J. (2014). Instrumental leadership: Measurement and extension of transformational–transactional leadership theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(4), 543-561.
• Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Pearson Education.
• Sousa, M., & Hargreaves, A. (2012). Organizational change in education: Clarifying the central concepts. Journal of Educational Change, 13(2), 129-145.
• Schlechty, P. C. (2001). Leading for learning: How to transform schools into communities of learning. Jossey-Bass.
• Fullan, M. (2007). The new meaning of educational change (4th ed.). Teachers College Press.
• Lussier, R. N., & Achua, C. F. (2015). Leadership: Theory, application, & skill development. South-Western Cengage Learning.