Definitions of Leadership

When looking around the room it seems that everyone has a “thing” that they are good at. Some are good at being the comedian or class clown, others are good at being the smart, “out of the box thinkers”, and others are good at being the creative artsy designers. And although they all have different talents and things that they are good at it the way in which they communicate with others seems that seems to be entirely different. It’s interesting to observe this especially when noticing how the teacher approaches them and tries to get them to work on their assignment. Its almost like the teacher psychoanalyzes each personality type and then adapts a different approach that seems most effective for each of them. But what I wonder is how can there be so many different ways to approach someone just based on what they like to do? Wouldn’t one assume that since they all are given the same task/homework/assignment to do the teacher would just ask them to do it? But no, it seems like this strategy is much more effective. As the teacher approaches the class clown, she jokes around with him, smiles a lot, and yet encouragingly tells him to continue working on his assignment. As she approaches the smart girl she takes interest in her unique train of thought and discusses with her some of her ideas while cheering her on to dive deeper into these intricate theories she has developed. And lastly she observes the quiet artist in the corner and asks her about her favorite media to work with and what her particular passions are. And although at first glance these individual interactions with each student may seem unnecessary, it almost makes the teacher even more impressive since she tries to develop a relationship and understanding with each student and their interests outside of class.  By the teacher trying to develop communication, and an effective dialogue with these individuals she in returns effectively makes them more interested and keen to work on the assignment and she gives them the motivation and inspiration to incorporate their own talents into the assignments. And ultimately, by strategically identifying their passions and interests she finds the most effective and incredible way to teach and work with them as both a mentor and as a person. A rare balance which in reality is one of the best traits that a student can ask for in any teacher. I mean what could be better than having someone who genuinely wants to hear about what you are most passionate in life for and encourages you to apply some aspect of it into life or even something as simple as an assignment? This does not only show how effective teachers are in being able to communicate and work well with a variety of students and individuals, but also how effective they are in maintaining the 1940’s and 1950’s ideals of leadership. One of these ideals being the ability to persuade a student to work at their best potential, while managing to keep an authoritative position that balances identifying with the student, while maintaining the students respect. And finally, and most importantly, the teacher managing to have the student   enjoy learning and opening their mind up to new and exciting ideas that otherwise might have not been given a chance if not for the way in which leaders communicate with different people.