Thriving Amidst Change: How to Encourage Self-Disruptive Leadership Skills in Our Students

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the traditional “command and control” leadership model is increasingly being replaced by a more collaborative, inclusive, and adaptive approach. As the Principal of Penrhos College , I believe it’s crucial for us to understand and embrace these new leadership paradigms—not just for our own professional growth but for the future success of our students. So, what makes an inclusive leader, and why is this especially important in an educational setting?

The Shift from Command and Control to Collaborative Leadership

In the past, leadership was often about making decisions from a place of authority and enforcing those decisions through command and control. However, modern leadership requires a different set of skills. Inclusive leaders take a collaborative and facilitative approach, valuing diverse perspectives and creating environments where everyone feels heard and respected. This shift is not just a trend; it is a necessity in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world.

For educators, this means leading in a way that fosters inclusivity and leverages the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students and staff alike. As educators, we must model and teach these inclusive leadership qualities to prepare our students for a future where such skills are vital.

Thriving Amidst Change: The Role of Self-Disruptive Leaders

One of the key qualities of successful leaders in today’s world is their ability to handle change, ambiguity, and unpredictability. According to research from Korn Ferry (The 5 disciplines of inclusive leaders), effective leaders are those who can anticipate challenges, drive progress, accelerate development, partner with diverse stakeholders, and build trust. These leaders are not static; they are “self-disruptive,” continually reassessing and adjusting their thoughts, values, and actions to stay ahead of the curve.

Why is it that some leaders navigate change effectively while others falter? The answer lies in a leader’s ability to be adaptable and open to new ideas. Self-disruptive leaders are willing to challenge their own assumptions and embrace new ways of thinking, which enables them to manage change and uncertainty with resilience and creativity.

As educators, we have the opportunity to teach our students these essential skills. By fostering a mindset that embraces change and values continuous learning, we prepare our students for future leadership roles where these abilities will be crucial.

The Five Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders

Research by Korn Ferry identifies five key disciplines that effective inclusive leaders practice:

1. Builds Interpersonal Trust: Creating genuine relationships where people feel valued and heard.
2. Integrates Diverse Perspectives: Embracing and leveraging different viewpoints to drive innovation and growth.
3. Optimises Talent: Identifying and nurturing the strengths of diverse team members to achieve collective goals.
4. Applies an Adaptive Mindset: Being flexible and open to change, ready to pivot strategies as needed.
5. Achieves Transformation: Leading efforts that bring about meaningful and lasting positive change.

In our schools, we must focus on these disciplines to prepare students for future leadership. This involves teaching students how to build trust, appreciate diverse perspectives, and be adaptable in the face of change.

The Importance of Diverse Experiences for Leaders

Leaders who have diverse experiences—such as living in different countries, studying abroad, or working in multicultural environments—often have an edge. These experiences help individuals develop empathy, flexibility, and a broader worldview. While not everyone can have these experiences, we can simulate similar opportunities through our educational programs and encourage students to engage in diverse activities and perspectives.

Teaching Students to Be Future Leaders

Our role as educators extends beyond teaching academic content. We must also prepare students to be effective leaders who can navigate a complex, diverse world. This involves teaching them to be authentic, emotionally resilient, inquisitive, and flexible—traits essential for inclusive leadership.

Here are a few ways we can cultivate these traits in our students:

• Encourage Self-Reflection: Help students understand their own values and beliefs, and challenge them to consider perspectives different from their own.
• Promote Emotional Intelligence: Teach students to manage their emotions and respond to others’ feelings in a constructive way.
• Foster Curiosity: Encourage students to explore new ideas and seek out diverse experiences.
• Model Flexibility: Demonstrate how to adapt to new situations and embrace change as a positive force.

Conclusion

Inclusion, adaptability, and self-disruption are not just concepts for leaders but essential skills for our students’ futures. By embracing these qualities and teaching them in our classrooms, we prepare our students for a world where they will need to lead with empathy, resilience, and creativity.

At Penrhos College, we are committed to developing these skills in our students, ensuring they are well-equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the future. The goal is to nurture the next generation of inclusive leaders who will thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.

Kalea Haran

#CourageStarts Here

Reference

Korn Ferry. (2023, September 28). The 5 disciplines of inclusive leaders. Korn Ferry. https://www.kornferry.com/insights/featured-topics/diversity-equity-inclusion/5-disciplines-of-inclusive-leaders

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