Stimulating Discussion at Meetings

It can appear that there is a real contradiction inherent in the role of leaders in schools. To be effective they sometimes require a directive authoritative style and equally, at other times, they need to use a much more non-directive egalitarian approach. Establishing when and by how much is all about the art of leadership.

Nowhere is this shown more clearly than in the leader’s role in leading meetings. Sometimes for instance there is a need for the leader to impart information quickly and concisely to colleagues at a meeting. At other times the leader’s role is to ensure a rich and open ended discussion. And even within the same meeting the leader, chameleon like, must be adept at each approach. The following chart highlights the importance of both approaches in terms of stimulating discussion at meetings.