Sultan speak : Keep the change

Intro:
Transformational leadership is improvement oriented and thrives amidst an understanding of change, including how to encourage change in others – that’s what MENTOR’s Syed Sultan Ahmed discovered during a train journey from Birmingham to London.

Quote:
“He introduced some very endearing traditions in the school.”

It was the month of March this year; I was traveling on National Rail heading to London from Birmingham where I had been an educational fair. I got into conversation with a gentleman sitting next to me, Captain Cohen, Principal of a high school in Sussex county. What struck me was the pride he had in his profession. Digging deeper I discovered that he completed a stint of 20 years in the armed forces following that he chose to become a teacher as it was his long cherished dream. I really liked the passion and commitment he had for his job, in fact he had greater pride in being a teacher than in being a principal.

I was fascinated by the innovative methods he uses to encourage his teachers and students. He always carries in his pocket “recognition cards” with messages like “Captain Cohen thinks you are pure potential” or “Captain Cohen loved your attitude today” and he gives those cards away to his students and teachers whenever an occasion presents itself. He makes it a point to visit the homes of students especially the troublesome ones, to spend time with them in their environment, thereby giving him a better insight into the individual he was dealing with.

He introduced some very endearing traditions in the school; for instance, the entire school comes together to cut a cake on the birthday of every teacher; following this, the birthday teacher goes to all classes and distributes sweets to the children. In his school, teachers are allowed to participate in various club activities of their choice, just like students do. In fact, in several clubs the camaraderie between teachers and students is far better than between students!

Several new awards were introduced in the school, which were more sought after than the conventional awards. The ‘friendliest student of our class’, ‘the teacher with the best smile’, ‘the best dressed teacher of the year award’ and many more. The best part of the awards was the fact that the judgment followed a democratic process and all students and teachers had a secret ballot to vote for their choice. This way, students were nurtured to become more responsible citizens by understanding the power of a vote.

He told me that the innovations brought about a remarkable change in the attitude of the teachers and students. There is now a lot of positive energy in the school which has not been there when he had taken up the role of the school principal. In his words he said “My role as I perceive it is to be a motivator and guide to my teachers and students. This makes my stay at school more meaningful and value adding. Small but sensible changes leaves a lasting impression in the way my school works, that is the best legacy I can leave behind.”

At the end of the three-hour journey, it occurred to me that the role of high school principals can be compared to that of music composers. Composers put musical components together into a coherent whole; likewise, principals organize high schools by establishing class schedules, assigning roles to teachers and associates, and maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. Composers and principals both need to have leadership qualities and sensitivity; both roles involve stress and tolerance; and both roles necessitate efficient communication. All in all, it is more pleasing to conceive of the role of the principal as artistic and innovative rather than merely one obsessed with management principles.