Benefits of Leading with Inquiry

Jun 22

In recounting the dynamic ways in which using the leadership lens of inquiry has brought about changes to our teachers, campus culture and even ourselves as the leaders, we center ourselves on reflection throughout the process of change. Over time, we became more comfortable stepping away from traditional ways of educational leadership and toward the unique dynamic we created throughout our work together, always collaborating, reflecting, and growing in our leadership capacities. What we found and continue to find are three major benefits to leading with inquiry:

We become partners in the learning.
We develop empowered teachers.
We create a climate of motivation and inspiration.

We’ve also come to understand what it is and what it isn’t. When leading with an inquiry mindset:

WHAT IT IS

Reflective 

Process oriented

Lifelong learner

Values feedback from staff

Comfortable with change and innovation 

Uses questions as guidance 

Playful

Knowing the value of the relationships

Inviting the teachers into the spaces 

Modeling curiosity 

Innovative 

Trust in your people 

Supports teachers through scaffolding 

Includes all 

Enable staff to have reflective conversations 

Empowered teachers 

Inspires action 

Models core competencies and dispositions for success

WHAT IT ISN’T

Managerial 

Task oriented 

Telling 

Does not invest in growth 

Fearful of mistakes 

A “fix it” mindset 

Right vs. wrong 

Doesn’t incorporate feedback 

No space for reflective conversations 

Compliant teachers

Our approaches to leading may be different than other traditional leadership models, however, we’re asking you to rethink and quite possibly redefine the ways in which you lead. We’re asking you to reflect on your own values as a leader, the impact they have on the ways in which you lead, and most importantly, the impact they have on those you lead. We’re challenging you to reflect on your own behaviors, beliefs and values as a leader.