Mary, Mary, Answer My Query: How Does Your Leadership Grow?
IntroductionWomens organizations, social clubs, societies, sororities, professional organizations, or other groups however they may identify themselves recognize the significance of leadership to service. In particular, organizations such as The Delta Kappa Gamma Society (DKG) an international education society for women, assuredly recognize the significance of leadership for teachers (Bull, 2015) A major purpose of DKG is to advance the professional interests and position of women in education. The mission of the organization is to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education, for which leadership is critical.Developing and advancing effective teachers with the ability to recognize opportunities, overcome obstacles, collaborate, support, and instruct is more critical than ever before in the current social, economic, and political environment. With the multitude of situational factors and challenges from within and without the profession that educators face daily, who better to direct the course of education in these turbulent times than proven, veteran teachers? To be in a position to direct the course of other educators, one must have knowledge of education, qualities of leadership, and the willingness to step forward and lead. In sum, the significance of developing leadership among educators has never been more vital.Literature ReviewDKG members comprise a group invited to membership because they have demonstrated outstanding qualities as experienced educators (DKG, 2015) Many have specifically demonstrated leadership in or beyond the classroom. The opportunity for such members to reflect upon and conceptualize their own unique routes toward becoming educational "movers and shakers" may prove helpful in determining how to share key skills and dispositions with other educators who may also be on the road to leadership (Benis, 2006; Madsen, 2010) By considering and reflecting upon the experiences they have encountered along the way, veteran educators may be able to identify and promote similar opportunities for developing teachers. Researchers have conjectured that women pursuing leadership positions in education can gain enormous benefit from the experiences of other women (Lussier Achua, 2007) a factor of some significance to this study as DKG is a professional organization for women. Women leaders are considered to be more engaged in rewarding followers' behavior and more focused on the aspects of leadership that promote effectiveness (Lussier Achua, 2007) factors that can result in sustained and beneficial support to other women.Without doubt, organizations such as DKG support and nurture members' strengths in multiple areas of development. Because members are invited to the organization on the basis of previously demonstrated and exceptional skills, dispositions, or expertise, they present a well from which researchers may draw knowledge based upon experience. Examining this information can lead to the identification of specific behaviors that initially led these members in the direction of critical leadership skills and dispositions. What types of activities, opportunities, experiences, or personal relationships promoted the mindset and competencies necessary to help these women maximize skills to become successful and valuable leader educators? Who or what equipped them to be able to offer so many benefits to their colleagues and students?Purpose of the StudyThe overarching intent of this study was to share and support educators in their leadership development and to identify leadership opportunities for others. It is important for leaders to recognize their own personal contributions; to conceptualize the specific behaviors, activities, opportunities, or personal relationships that were critical in the development of effective leadership; and to share ways to encourage others in the pursuit of leadership in the field of education.