4.3 Re-storied/re-told narratives
Mr. Mild -The visionary
As a leader I have to give direction and guidance. I am a visionary leader who gives support to both teachers and learners. For example, if one of the teachers or learners are experiencing personal problems, they confide in me with the hope that I would be able to come up with solutions. That is exactly what I do when they come to me. I try by all means to help them to solve their problems. I set goals and standards for myself every week. I also make sure I stay focused all the time. I believe that is why the school is successful. I network with other principals and share good practice with successful schools in and around our circuit. I also ensure that we always work as a team because I believe that alone I can go fast but collaboratively, we can go far. I want this school to be a model of excellence in this area.
Passion for education
I am now a person who believes in acquiring skills, knowledge and information by reading books, manuals and by doing research. I have developed a deep commitment to education and to ensuring that a black child succeeds in life. I also subscribe to the words of Tata Nelson Mandela, when he said that the only weapon one can use to break the cycle of poverty is education. I am passionate about education. I see myself as someone who is supposed to hold a child’s hand all the time. And try to bring out the best in that child. By ensuring that I go to class prepared if I am given that opportunity. If there is a learner who needs some assistance, I must be there for that learner.
The motivator
As a principal, I take it as my obligation to inspire and motivate everyone in the school. I do that almost every day, every chance I get. Even if there is one or two people, I try by all means to give a motivational talk. Acknowledging whatever work that the person has done, no matter how small it may seem. To me it very important to acknowledge and appreciate all that my staff is doing. I acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. I appreciate everything that they do in order to make our school a better place. I believe that humility is one of the most important traits that a person should possess. That is why I say, if you are chosen as a leader or you have been given that opportunity to serve. You must serve with dignity and you must always humble yourself, so that people can listen to you.
Family -school link
The work that one is doing is very challenging. I take my workplace as my second home, and the learners and teachers as my second family. There is a significant link between home and the school. I believe that I need to teach my kids (at home) the core values as well as the valuable life lessons. I teach them about respect and honesty, trustworthiness etc. That prepares me to be able to do the same when I come to school. What I do at home or what I practice at home, is what I do as well here at school.
Team Player
I believe in team work. I believe that if you work as a team you are destined to succeed. For example, at school I believe that if we work as a team, we will definitely achieve quality education. I cannot do everything alone. This is not a one man’s show. I believe in team effort, as well as consultation. I believe that it is my responsibility as a leader to create a conducive learning environment for my learners. That (is) why in most cases I do not sit in the office, I go around moving from class to class. I go visit the toilets. I check the grounds and the condition of the school in general. This is all due to passion that I have for my job. Clean environment improves learning. As a leader I have to make sure that the environment is clean for both learners as well as teachers, because that improves productivity and also results in effective teaching and learning.
The listener
I am a listener. I listen to other people’s ideas. I value other people’s opinions. I believe that sometimes I must lead from behind. I must involve all other stakeholders in decision making, SGB’s, parent component, the learners as well as teacher component, and the non-teaching staff. Because I believe that at the end of the day we must all strive for the same goal. We have to make sure that all those that are under our care (learners), they all succeed one day so that they can contribute positively towards the economy of the country. I believe in instilling good behavior and discipline in my learners or in our learners. I believe I am here at school to make sure that all learners get the best education. I am here to bring about change. I am here to uplift the community through education.
As I mentioned earlier on that I also serve at a church as one of the leaders. Church has taught me many things. It has molded me to be the person I am today. Amongst many things I have
deal with different people at church, and that helps me when I come here at school to have a manner of approach when it comes to addressing the employees. I am also able to listen to them because at church in most cases, you listen to the problems of the members of the church. Some of them go to an extent of confiding in you. They tell you their serious problems. Now being a leader at church you must listen, you listen to their problems. Try and come up with a solution.
I welcome criticism, for as long as it is constructive. It makes you grow as a person. Because sometimes you may not be aware of certain things that are taking place in the school. But if you are a leader that is prepared to be led, that listens…. That take opinions from colleagues. I think you stand good chances to be successful and ultimately the school will be successful.
The conclusion
There are things I left behind when I assumed this new task. Because it was compulsory to leave such things behind. I am now a very punctual-being, but I use to be very late in almost everything. I use to be late like three or four times a week at school. When I assumed my new responsibility as a manager, I had to change my attitude towards time. I am now probably one of the early birds of the school. Secondly, non-co-operation, I remember I used to be very poor when it comes to meeting deadlines, submission of work and tasks to immediate supervisor. I would fail to abide by the management plan. But then I had to change. I am now a changed person. What I can say has been useful in this regard is starting holding other position before becoming the Principal. I can say it moulded me to be the person that I am today.