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As Cherkowski (2018) explained, it is important in educational institutions to have teachers who take upon themselves a leadership position based on their everyday conduct. Part of her study is based on Cameron’s (2008) ideas. Cameron noted that there is a paradox in organizational structures that want to change. This paradox is based on the fact that, even when human nature tends to perceive positive interactions as a way to improve their environment, negative experiences tend to linger longer. Hence, while positive would create room for further positive, it is more likely that people will learn from negative. The author’s research, however, showed that there are many ways to promote positive learning experiences to create a positive environment.
Within these contexts, it is important to put tools into action and lead others by example. Leadership depends on a right mindset (Cherkowski, 2018). A growth mindset involves an attitude in which the person understands that knowledge can improve by practicing (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Mindfulness practice has shown that it is a reliable way to turn a fixed mindset into a growth one (Buccolo & Ferro Allodola, 2022), hence it has the potential to create a positive environment. Still, it requires discipline and perseverance to be able to tune out the mental noise (Chiarella et al., 2024).
I agree with Cherkowski’s ideas of leadership. I consider that each person is able to take a proactive attitude, in any circumstance, and that usually, those people become leaders. Even small examples in small environment have the potential to reach a vast field, since it is not possible to know who will follow the example and how far they will potentially get. One of the challenges is to keep the self wellbeing and the wellbeing of others so it can retrofit within itself and create a virtuous circle that continuously promotes wellbeing.
References
Buccolo, M. & Ferro Allodola, V. (2022). Mindfulness based education for emotional awareness and prevent burn-out syndrome: An educational experience with teachers from kindergarten to high school. Formazione & Insegnamento, 20(1 Tome I). https://doi-org.ezproxy.tru.ca/10.7346/-fei-XX-01-22_30
Cameron, K.S. (2008). Paradox in positive organisational change, The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 44(1), 7–24.
Chiarella, S. G., De Pastina, R., Raffone, A., & Simione, L. (2024). Mindfulness Affects the Boundaries of Bodily Self-Representation: The Effect of Focused-Attention Meditation in Fading the Boundary of Peripersonal Space. Behavioral Sciences (2076-328X), 14(4), 306. https://doi-org.ezproxy.tru.ca/10.3390/bs14040306
Cherkowski, S. (2018). Positive teacher leadership: Building mindset and capacities to grow wellbeing. International Journal of Teacher Leadership, 9(1), 63-78
Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that personal characteristics can be developed. Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2012.722805
Your blog post beautifully captures the essence of fostering positive leadership in educational settings. I wholeheartedly agree that everyday conduct plays a pivotal role in shaping the culture of learning environments. Your insights on the transformative power of positive examples and the importance of a growth mindset resonate deeply.
Positive experiences do make people feel refreshed, but we tend to remember negative emotions more easily. Mindfulness practice can help us balance our emotions. Teachers need to create a positive environment and give students more appropriate care. The cultivation of mentality is a long process, and teachers’ behavior will affect students’ thinking. In fact, when students are more tolerant and more accepting of negative things, they are more likely to be happy.
You made an excellent point that compassionate leadership starts with oneself. A leader who demonstrates compassion, vulnerability, and courage shows by example how one can be strong in the face of adversity and failure. By picking oneself up again, it shows others how vulnerability does not show weakness but courage. We can lead by example.