Leadership - The Law of the Leadership Vacuum
Leadership is an absolute must for teachers.
But, many teachers lose control of their classrooms because they do not understand the concept of the leadership vacuum.
Just as nature abhors a vacuum and tends to fill it; a group needs a leader and tends to find one.
When you step into a classroom for the very first time you will automatically be expected to act as the leader because of position.
But, if you don't accept this role you will create a leadership vacuum that will not be tolerated.
The vacuum must be filled and little Johnny (or Jenny), who is a natural born leader, will fill the vacuum.
Thus, taking control of the classroom not because he wanted to take it, but because he had to take it.
There must be a leader! When a you give up your position as the leader, you are now at the mercy of whoever stepped up to occupy the position.
If the new leader likes the subject being presented, you will be allowed to proceed with the lesson.
But, if the leader doesn't like what has been planned, you will not have permission to continue.
You now have two options:
You will spend the majority of your time trying to maintain order, disciplining the leader and losing your temper.
But, if you choose to do an activity endorsed by the leader you will have cooperation and success.
However, you have paid a price for this success.
You have relinquished leadership of the classroom.
The student (or group of students) who stepped up to fill the leadership vacuum is now in control of the classroom and it will be his (or their) goals that are accomplished.
The rest of the students will follow the actions of this person (or group) because he is the leader and worthy of being followed.
If the new leader is someone who enjoys academics you are in luck and you will have success with most of your plans for the year.
However, if this new leader doesn't enjoy certain subjects or activities and you insist on presenting them, be prepared for chaos.
Remember you're not the leader any more! Ignore the leadership vacuum at your own risk but there will always be a leader.
You can not expect your students to follow you just because you are the teacher, there must be a reason to follow you.
If you want to be a successful teacher, you will realize this and give each and every member of your classroom a reason to follow you.
But, many teachers lose control of their classrooms because they do not understand the concept of the leadership vacuum.
Just as nature abhors a vacuum and tends to fill it; a group needs a leader and tends to find one.
When you step into a classroom for the very first time you will automatically be expected to act as the leader because of position.
But, if you don't accept this role you will create a leadership vacuum that will not be tolerated.
The vacuum must be filled and little Johnny (or Jenny), who is a natural born leader, will fill the vacuum.
Thus, taking control of the classroom not because he wanted to take it, but because he had to take it.
There must be a leader! When a you give up your position as the leader, you are now at the mercy of whoever stepped up to occupy the position.
If the new leader likes the subject being presented, you will be allowed to proceed with the lesson.
But, if the leader doesn't like what has been planned, you will not have permission to continue.
You now have two options:
- Continue without permission or
- Do something the leader will approve.
You will spend the majority of your time trying to maintain order, disciplining the leader and losing your temper.
But, if you choose to do an activity endorsed by the leader you will have cooperation and success.
However, you have paid a price for this success.
You have relinquished leadership of the classroom.
The student (or group of students) who stepped up to fill the leadership vacuum is now in control of the classroom and it will be his (or their) goals that are accomplished.
The rest of the students will follow the actions of this person (or group) because he is the leader and worthy of being followed.
If the new leader is someone who enjoys academics you are in luck and you will have success with most of your plans for the year.
However, if this new leader doesn't enjoy certain subjects or activities and you insist on presenting them, be prepared for chaos.
Remember you're not the leader any more! Ignore the leadership vacuum at your own risk but there will always be a leader.
You can not expect your students to follow you just because you are the teacher, there must be a reason to follow you.
If you want to be a successful teacher, you will realize this and give each and every member of your classroom a reason to follow you.
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