Assertiveness

McEwan begins the discussion of the habits of effective Principals with the concept of assertiveness.  Her distinction between assertiveness as a positive forthright approach to leadership and agressiveness that serves to humiliate, bully and demoralize others is very helpful.  As I developed professionally and navigated many environments full of posturing and positioning, and full of processes and conditions that didn't quite pass the common sense test, I felt the need to speak the truth - say things out loud, call it like it is and call it a duck if it waddled and quacked.  The important thing is that I had to figure out the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness.  This required self reflection -- to be able to think about my own values, my own presence, my own professional and emotional maturity.  As I became more clear about those things, I was able to rely more on my inclination or disposition to do the right thing and treat people with respect while effectively addressing issues that need to be addressed. 

Welcome to EDUC 407 Human Resources

Well it is Spring again and we are all set to start a new session of EDUC 407 Human Resources. I hope I have prepared a class that will be enjoyable, instructive and provocative all at the same time. We will work hard and get the most out of it as community of scholars and learners. We will openly reflect and challenge each others and ourselves. Let's go above and beyond that which is minimally required of us to become the leaders we wish for.

In as much as human resources managment is about human relations, I am hoping to have this class reveal the inner talents in each of the participants. Experiencing the intersection of theory and praxis opens a world of opportunity up for us as scholars, educators and leaders. We will see, this course should make a difference. I wonder what the class is expecting when they see the title Human Resources. We shall see. :)

Regina Stanback Stroud