Series 4: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS


Having no leader is danger but having a bad leader is torment.

Essence of leadership can not ever be over-emphasized. When a people have the right leadership, it implies that there is proper provision for needs in sight, protection is assured, direction becomes a phenomenon,  projection for a better collective future is certain. It further connotes ease of progress and prosperity for all, purpose is defined for the collective existence and plans to achieve the common goals are set up and activated. In short, a lot of possibilities emerges when there is good leadership.

However, for so long a time, Teachers in private schools have been without leadership. Everyone is for himself or herself. It is the cause of all the symptoms (complaints) which private school teachers peddle about their job.

All the aforementioned attributes of leadership above remain a mirage as having men and women at helms of affairs in individual private schools is not the same as leadership in this context. So far, the persons who see to the affairs of Teachers in private schools are simply Managers. There is a huge difference between a leader and a manager.

Context-wise, the following distinguish one from the other.


MANAGER

1) Interested in teacher’s productivity or performance contributions to employer's vision.
2) Prioritises task/work above other things.
3) Maintains status quo (the way things are currently)
4) Thinks and plans just for a  few teachers in own school.
5) Cares for only a section of the whole spectrum of a teacher’s life



LEADER

1) Interested in the prosperity and well being of all teachers
2) Prioritises life above anything else
3) Challenges and changes status quo for an improved status- life & work.
4) Cares about the entire aspects of the life of teachers.
5) Thinks and plans in the general interest of all teachers.

Understand that there is need for leadership in the interest of the generality of Teachers in private schools. And it is this vacuum that this group is focused on in order to afford the concerned teachers an improved well being or welfare.

TEACHERS WELFARE SERIES 3: BE INVOLVED

7 THINGS THAT WOULD IMPROVE WELFARE OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Status quo don't change just by complaining, and a vision without action is merely a dream.

To be involved is to actively participate  (participation + action) in the process of achieving the common goal- improved welfare system for private school teachers.

Being indifferent or passive about this initiative would only maintain the current status quo. So, active participation of every private school teacher in various ways would be required.

Remember that education is light and teachers are candle sticks that illuminate minds, so, the process of achieving the common dream (improved welfare) is devoid of violence, cynicism, physical, written and verbal attacks etc between the two parties (Private School Owners and Private School Teachers).
The ONLY weapon is the display of high intellectualism.


STEPS TO ACHIEVING THE COMMON DREAM

1) NEED ANALYSIS:
It is taking a critical and holistic view of all welfare issues or problems which private school teachers experience.
The objective is to identify all the causes of the welfare challenges. That is, why do you (teachers) complain?
I look forward to reading your comment on the causes or problems of poor welfare. It is a  demonstration of you being actively involved and committed to the change process.

2) NEED ARTICULATION
Having listed all the causes of the welfare problems as in point one above. Then, this phase requires breaking them  into definite or specific needs. As well as prioritising them according to the degree of importance and other factors.

3) ORGANISING
It is the planning process of an interface between private school owner(s) and private school teachers for an improved welfare system.

4) ENGAGEMENT
It is the phase of an actual meeting or dialogue between both parties as mentioned in point 3.

5) NEGOTIATION
A process in which both parties during an engagement session (point 4), list and argue on the articulated needs (terms) as well as make sacrifice or compromise on the demands of each of the parties for the purpose of reaching an agreement.

P.S: Don’t miss the next series. And invite colleagues (private school Teachers) to join the Facebook group; Private School Teachers Network. After the series comes the practical sides...

By Festus O. Odeyale