I recently took the NC State University Learning Style Assessment and was diagnosed as having a strong preference for being an active and visual learner. Although the results are not shocking to me, it has caused me to reflect on my learning and leading methods. I have always enjoyed "doing" more than "talking" through concepts. I really am a "let's test our theory" type of learner and administrator. I have realized that I am constantly balancing my active characteristics while leading a team of teachers.
While my active learning style attributes have probably not affected anyone else through my educational career, I can see how those same attributes may cause anxiety, frustration, and confusion in my staff members. Active or kinesthetic leaders may need to balance their normal inclination to constantly be in motion. This may at times manifest itself in a way that seems like projects are never completed, clear communication is not given, and a create as we go mindset.
I can think of three things that this actually means for me:
Long Staff Meetings are Difficult So what, I doodle. I doodle for one of two reasons: 1. I am bored out of my mind. 2. I am making connections through concepts. As a principal, I don't get to zone out in meetings where important information is being disseminated. However, I have found that long meetings are sometimes long because of posturing, grandstanding, or filled with verbal learners who need to talk through a process while solidifying their understanding. My staff meetings are generally 15- 30 minutes in length if I can help it. I utilize the time to review key points about what has been sent via email. To help with effectiveness in meetings, attendees are asked to complete agenda items before the meeting to ensure focus and cohesiveness throughout the meeting. Lastly, all of the meetings that I lead begin with a reading of the school's mission. The mission guides whatever it is that we are attempting to accomplish.
Let Me Get Into A System and "Play"
Kinesthetic leaders need to "do" to understand. This may not always be the best attribute for a leader, especially when a school community seeking an organized leadership model. Kinesthetic learners thrive when they can try things on their own. When learning new programs or systems, the kinesthetic learner wants to explore. They want to adjust the variables of a situation and see what happens. While exploration and variable manipulation may be good in certain situations, a leader may not be successful with too much exploration. Kinesthetic leaders have to plan and play before they introduce new concepts to their staff. If the Kinesthetic leader gives in to impulse, ideas and programs may be abandoned or changed midstream causing frustration and confusion.
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| If your notes look like this, you may be a kinesthetic leader. |
I Need Space to Be Creative
Kinesthetic leaders are creative. True to the definition of the term kinesthetic, they enjoy building things from scratch. Creativity in leadership may manifest itself as out-of-the-box thinking that may take time and resources to implement properly. The kinesthetic leader has to maintain a balance and "read the room" of the staff. If a kinesthetic leader attempts to implement too many of their creative thoughts at one time, it can cause the staff to revolt.
Once you know what type of leader you are, you can save yourself and your staff a whole lot of aggravation, frustration, and anger. Leaders, it is ok to be your authentic self. Understanding your strengths and blind spots as a leader help you identify what and who you need to help you be successful. When you know better, you lead better. 
