Exemplary Practices in Educational Leadership Conference January 13, 2011 Morale and Motivation: How to Build a Culture of Learning Terry Kershaw, Ed.D. Vice Chancellor SCCCD – North Centers

Characteristics of a Leader Survey (2003) – 100,000 people, including faculty from higher education, were asked to describe the values, traits, and characteristics they found most important in a leader. Characteristics receiving 50%+ votes were: 1. Honest 2. Forward-thinking 3. Competent 4. Inspiring 2

Communication COMMUNICATION – oral, written, physical. TOO OFTEN WE ARE BROADCASTING WHEN WE SHOULD BE TUNING IN. “O, LORD, PLEASE MAKE MY WORDS SWEET AND TENDER TODAY, FOR TOMORROW I MAY HAVE TO EAT THEM.” 3

Coaching, Mentoring COACHING, MENTORING, TRAINING – career advice, increasing skill levels, increasing commitment to the team and organization, motivating others. “IF YOU AREN’T FIRED WITH ENTHUSIASM, YOU’LL BE FIRED WITH ENTHUSIASM.” Vince Lombardi 4

Conflict Resolution CONFLICT RESOLUTION – mainstay with interdependence between individuals and groups. “Conflict is an opportunity to grow and make positive changes.” THE SUCCESSFUL LEADER IS ONE WHO DOES WHAT HAS TO BE DONE AT THE TIME THEY HATE TO DO IT MOST. 5

Actions Thinking Gray: “The big and important decisions are not so clear cut. Taking the time to gather information from all sides, making the decision only when it must be made rather than quickly is a key to good decision making.” Steven Sample, Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership 6

Innovation & Planning Reflection New Opportunities Focus on People Creating a Vision “A leader is someone with a vision who can inspire others to follow.” 7

Community College Students Motivation Challenge: Student Completion “With commitment to Success, Equity and Access, California’s brightest days lie ahead.” 2020 Vision: A Report of the Commission on the Future of the Community College League of California 8

Conclusion SKILLS – interpersonal (communication, collaboration, organization) that build trust and relationships. ATTITUDE – positive, agent for change, believe in power of people. ACTIONS – reflect the mission, core values, and vision of the organization. 9