Systems 802 online
- 1. WHY A SYSTEMS VIEW IS IMPORTANT FOR LEADERS
- 2. “ A system is a perceived whole whose elements ‘hang together’ because they continually affect each other over time and operate toward a common purpose. The word descends from the Greek word sunistanai, which originally meant, ‘to cause to stand together.’” (from The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook” by Peter M. Senge, Charlotte Roberts, Richard B. Ross, Bryan J. Smith, and Art Kleiner) An Overview
- 3. A systems view for leaders recognizes: All organizations are made up of parts. Collaboration between the parts is essential to assure the effective operations of the organization. Effective leadership is responsible for nurturing the needed collaboration to assure effective and successful organizations.
- 4. What awareness of systems is required for School District leaders to assure effective and successful schools?
- 5. 1: THE WHOLE IS THE SUM OF ITS PARTS Like a chain in school districts, each part (link) must be strong and collaboratively connected to other strong parts (links) to assure effective district operations and performance.
- 6. 2 : In Districts Parts are Internal and External
- 7. Internal External School Boards State legislature Superintendent Governor Administrative team Congress Schools Chamber of Commerce Teachers Businesses High school departments Booster clubs Coaches Senior citizens
- 8. Think of Examples you could add to each list. The lists might seem to be endless, but they are all important to recognize.
- 9. 3: THE RIPPLE EFFECT When something happens in one part, it inevitably has an effect on other parts.
- 10. Can you think of a Ripple Effect that you have observed in your district or school? Was the result positive or negative? As leaders, both are important to recognize!
- 11. SO, WHAT’S A SUPERINTENDENT TO DO?
- 12. Discussion Team Assignment Do you agree with the concepts presented in the systems model? Are there other considerations you feel should be added? Once your group settles on a systems model, identify the impact an awareness of systems should have on superintendent leadership in a school district.