Original Statement (October 2015)

“I would like to be remembered as a leader by being recognized as committed to my principles, just, caring for others and in continuous improvement. However, desires could not turn into reality, so there is a part of those future memories that I don’t really know how they would look like. Certainly, the first three characteristics are tied together in many ways. If you are committed to your principles, you automatically become authentic in the long run and your behavior happens according to what is morally right and fair, hence you are acting justly. I consider that having social justice as one of my personal tenets is a direct consequence of caring for others. My personal need of continually improving is detached of this process, but its serves the other characteristics that define my profile as a leader.”

 

 

a) How relevant is your statement?

Looking back, it looks like that it was a long time ago when I wrote this statement. Whilst the statement still is relevant and valid, I feel that I have evolved as a leader. I am basically the same, but in an empowered version. Now, I feel more knowledgeable and confident in my abilities and skills to lead programs, people and innovation. I can see the bigger picture, without losing myself in the detail. This evolution is mainly due to two different converging forces. The first one is the process of diving into education policies and programs through experience and literature. The second force has been the implementation of research based innovation using Participatory Action Research (PAR). The PAR process allowed me to grow both as a scholar and as a practitioner, proving that solid research can be the driving force behind educational improvement. It has also become a reality check on implementing changes in real educational settings, where adaptability and practicality are king.

 

 

​SLXL

b) What changes, if any would you make to your statement?

I would like to add a couple of aspects to my original statement (in italics):

“I would like to be remembered as a leader by being recognized as committed to my principles, just, caring for others and in continuous improvement. However, desires could not turn into reality, so there is a part of those future memories that I don’t really know how they would look like. Certainly, the first three characteristics are tied together in many ways. If you are committed to your principles, you automatically become authentic in the long run and your behavior happens according to what is morally right and fair, hence you are acting justly. I consider that having social justice as one of my personal tenets is a direct consequence of caring for others. My personal need of continually improving is detached of this process, but its serves the other characteristics that define my profile as a leader.

Additionally, two aspects must be considered in leadership roles. Firstly, any leader should display responsibility and commitment to equity and social justice in every action, much more when they involve educational goals. Secondly, as an educational leader, one cannot take the role of a bystander. Leadership implies a proactive approach to action, becoming involved in an honest way, and taking calculated risks for a greater good. One of the most interesting aspects of a leadership role is dealing with the consequences of these actions.”

 

c) How well are you living/living into your Leadership Legacy? Are you operating from a strengths-based and asset-based orientation?

 

I am pretty confident in living into my new established Leadership Legacy. I think that It is something attainable and reasonable, within my reach and principles. Knowing my strengths helped me to focus on what actions suit me better as a leader, as well as minimize the impact of my weaknesses. I feel more focused, goal oriented and determined to fulfill my legacy as an educational leader.

 

d) What do you need to stop, start, continue, know, do, and avoid in order to facilitate or strengthen the legacies you want to create?

Originally, I stated the following (October, 2015)

“Since I have not thought in building a legacy intentionally, probably this is the first thing I should have to start doing. I should stop thinking that the consequences of my actions will cease the moment I die; leadership is about leaving a legacy, intentionally or not. I should continue to follow my principles, acting justly and caring for others. That is what defines my essence as a leader.”

Reviewing the past two years, I believe I started to build my legacy as a leader. One way has been through my actions as Common Core Site Leader, conference presenter and publishing. I stopped thinking that my ideas will die with me, and started to be more proactive in leaving a living legacy that may transcend my life span. I believe I continued to apply my original principles.

Reflecting on my actions, I would need to stop some thoughts of despair when some actions taken may not achieve the desired outcome. I should start planning what actions in the middle term would have more impact on my leadership roles. In order to strengthen the legacies that I want to create, I should be more consistent in actions towards them, delineating a plan from core themes that I have developed at Pepperdine; language, instructional strategies and equity in educational policies. I should avoid negative feelings when the plans are not being fully fulfilled and be flexible and adjusting without losing my main tenets.