Leadership is a difficult quality to quantify given all of the different types of matrixes one could apply in this area. In certain circumstances, leadership depends on the situation in which various types of leadership skills are pertinent whereas others are superfluous. There is also the issue of location, as what constitutes quality leadership may depend on the nation-state location, cultural proclivities, and the skill level of the team one is leading. The type of industry can additionally affect the type of leadership required as the nature of the industry may necessitate different leadership paradigms. Whether the organization is for profit or non-for profit can also have an impact on the leadership style, or at least the power or influence a leader can exhibit. In addition, there is the educational realm that often requires a unique and nuanced leadership style. The ability of faculty (teachers) to lead in the classroom setting frequently correlates to student success.

The question for those of us in the educational milieu concerns how to lead in an effective manner within our classroom environment. Siddique, Aslam, Khan, and Fatima (2011) have delineated strategies about leadership within the educational setting:

• Establish credibility
• Have an inspirational personality
• Have the ability to increase knowledge and skills in others
• Be adaptable to new situations
• Selflessness
• Be flexible
• Have an orientation to share knowledge
• Be supportive
• Provide developmental opportunities
• Allow individuals their autonomy

This list indicated above represents a holistic set of skills faculty could potentially in their classrooms. The challenge of demonstrating these skills becomes more difficult in the online setting as we face issues of time, familiarity, and the limitations of the online modality of communication.

My questions are what are your opinions of this lists, what would you add or subtract to create a leadership paradigm that aligns with being an online instructor. In addition, how could you and do you exhibit the aforementioned leadership attributes within your classroom setting?

Thanks,

Eric

Reference:

Siddique, A., Aslam, H. D., Khan, M., Fatima, U. (2011). Impact of academic leadership on faculty's motivation, and organizational effectiveness in high education system. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 8, 84-92. Retrieved from http://www.ijbssnet.com/