Hungry Minds and Slippery Slopes

Leadership despite the environment in which it is found must navigate safely along the slippery slope of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it. I have always found it a challenge to balance the dual impulses of freedom and discipline. Overbearing leadership and use of one's authority can snuff out the spark of growth and initiative in students. Yet discipline is needed to encourage the healthy growth of students unimpeded by the perils of unchecked impulse.

Discipline when used in an effective manner has the effect of "continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively" (Bass, 2000, pg.117), can be a tremendous force in unlocking dormant potential and polishing expressed talents. It is the burden of the educator to endure under the struggle to maintain balance.

Reference:The Jossey-Bass reader on educational leadership. (2000). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass