I have built my career on developing capacity within others on my team. This process includes developing and maintaining structures for frequent team meetings that address regular communication issues, decision making, strategic planning, support, and professional development are integral the growth of a strong team. It is critical to build capacity within the team by developing strong leaderships skills and mentoring others to assume leadership roles within the team. Events such as regular team meetings and annual staff retreats allow for building and nurturing an environment of trust within the team.
Involving the team in a practice that espouses transparency, strong communication and support for continuous growth are building blocks to a high functioning team. Mechanisms that allow for and encourage discussion, potential improvement practices and dialogue on research or best practices involves a team in building a supportive learning environment. Frequent recognition of team contributions by focusing on how the efforts of each team member, visible or unseen, alike will nurture the development of an effective team.
COMMENTS FROM COLLEAGUES AND TEAM MEMBERS
I feel very comfortable with Mark as a co-worker and instructional leader within our district. ~Division Office Colleague
I sincerely appreciate his personable and approachable leadership style. Without a doubt, I feel supported and championed by Mark. ~District Learning Coach
Great skill set for building capacity and helping others to realize where they can benefit their staff, students and the district as a whole. ~School Assistant Principal
You are a mentor to other leaders. You meet people where they are at and coach them as they move forward - without judgment. This relationships piece, in my opinion, is the most critical for any leader. ~School Principal
You model all the excellent attributes that leaders need to work on behalf of all and to bring out the optimum skills in those you deal with. ~School Principal
I think our team is flourishing under your watch; certainly, that includes their ability and desire to tackle new challenges, perhaps struggle or fail, and try again. ~Division Team Member & Colleague
Mark is extremely open and I find it easy to talk to him about any concerns I have; even if we don't always agree. Mark is a true professional. ~School Principal
I continue to be impressed with the team building you have lead since you joined our department. The entire PGP process as well as our team commitments have gone from non-existent to an integral part of our department in the last few years. It now seems to me that you're trying to transfer the responsibilities for these things within department leaders, and we appreciate that very much. I think there is a difference between a great leader who can lead effectively, and a great leader who can lead effectively as well as improve the leadership skills in others. You do that very well. ~Division Team Member