How Leaders Learn

Book excerpt: How Leaders Learn portrays the developmental experiences of educators seeking to become accomplished leaders in their schools. The author presents a new model of leadership knowledge: the Interpersonal-Cognitive-Intrapersonal (I-C-I) model. Through the stories of teacher leaders and administrators in several leadership development programs, the book depicts the evolution of understanding, skill, and self-confidence. These learners grapple with questions essential to all effective leadership: Does my leadership generate improved learning for the students in my school? What are my greatest assets as a leader? What are my greatest liabilities, and what do I do about them? Can I find a leadership role that is both productive and sustainable for me and for the school I serve? This dynamic professional development tool: Introduces a framework for thinking about how school leaders cultivate and support their own learning. Richly describes in leaders’ own words the deepening of interpersonal, cognitive, and intrapersonal leadership knowledge and action. Describes how to structure the Performance Learning cycle to support leadership that benefits students. Links recent literature and research to support new insights into the role of emotion, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills in leader learning.