Activity 7: The importance of vision and the clarifying role of a leader

The purpose of this activity is to give you some food for thought about leadership and its role and purpose, building further on the ideas from Activity 4.

"To be mission-based means that those in positions of authority are not the source of authority" 
The Practice of Innovation. by Peter M. Senge

Activity

1. Read two articles to support your thoughts in thinking about vision and the role of a leader in helping to clarify that vision.
   Why Vision Matters by Robert Knowling
   The Art of Chaordic Leadership by Dee Hock
   
2. In your blog/e-diary under the heading "Role of the leader"identify which ideas in these articles are relevant for your school, for your style of leadership, and for the process of ICT integration at the school.
3. Share your ideas in an online discussion with your group(using the subject heading "Role of the Leader"). Are there any points you disagree with in either or both of these articles? If so, explain which these are and why. Share any lessons you've learned from implementing any, or all, of the principles that have been advocated in these articles.
   
4. Other questions you might like to consider are:

• Perhaps you feel that certain valuable principles have been left out. If so, which are these?
• Perhaps you feel certain principles have not been stressed enough. If so, which are these?
• Will any of these principles change because of ICT integration at the school?
• Will your approach to these principles change because of ICT integration at the school?
• Why might it be useful to stick to these principles even in difficult times?
• What are the consequences for a leader who does not stick to principles?