Following the Leader
July 3, 2007 |
If it weren’t too long for the allotted space, I would’ve titled this post, “Everything I Needed to Know about Leadership I Learned from my Son’s Preschool Teacher.” And after two years of watching Ruth Harkema, this phenomenal leader, at work, I’d mean it. Of course, I knew a thing or two about leadership before I saw this gifted woman using her skills, but watching her style up close and personal—along with seeing the impact she has on those kids she leads—cemented everything good I had known before and taught me a few tricks I hadn’t quite captured.
So what makes her so impressive? Simple: She can lead a group of 20 wild and wiggly or worn-out and wooly four-year-olds down a school hallway in a single file, quietly. Can you? I know I’d sooner lead a group of inmates over a prison wall than attempt that feat.
And not only that, my son can write his name, knows all his letters (caps and lowercase), can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, can paint with many different tools, prays in public with fervor, sings thousands of praise and silly songs alike, and has developed an affinity for the stage all because of this woman. And he was only with her two hours, three afternoons a week—in a class with 20 other kids (and another great teacher, Mrs. Lanenga)! He’s with me all the time, and, well, sometimes it seems like all I’ve taught him is to bake and “check email.”
Mrs. Harkema sets a vision for what her students will learn over the course of the year and leads them all toward it with gusto—and they all have a blast. She’s a leader we could all learn a lot from.
From Mrs. Harkema, I’ve seen the magic of consistency—matched with flexibility—the wisdom of raising a “quiet finger,” and the might a little bell ringing in the midst of a lotta noise. I’ve learned that proper expectations doled out fairly with kind eyes and firm words does wonders for the confidence of those you lead. And I’ve witnessed the power of knowing another human being: what makes her tick, what soothes her, what inspires her to become great at whatever she’s meant to become great at.
Mrs. Harkema’s job is more than to teach preschoolers: It’s to lead them to love learning, lead them to know God, and to lead them toward becoming who God made them to be. And she’s a leader worth following.
My question to you, gifted women: Who are those leaders around you who’ve inspired you? What makes them leaders worth following?
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on July 3, 2007
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Comments
The leader that has inspired me the most is not a leader to which "inspiring" would be the first word I would ascribe to her. Dedicated, insightful, innovative, and empowering come to mind right away. The inspiration she provides is not based in showing us how wonderful she is while we yearn to imitate her (and as a former Broadway performer, she could certainly take that route). The inspiration that comes from Carol is based in...what she can pull out of others. She helps you experience what it is to have God work through YOU. She gives us space and opportunity to express what God inspires. And this kind of experience, this kind of inspiration is contagious because it is rooted in God and then flows out to others. I pray God blesses her for teaching me as a young leader this invaluable insight.
Posted by: Amber Medin on July 3, 2007
One leader that readily comes to mind does so because I see so much of myself in them. The difference is that they are further along the road and have much to teach me as I develop my leadership skills. They recognized the skills in me and were eager to see me grow in many areas. Knowing how alike we are in personality and strengths made me sit up and listen carefully to their wisdom and experience. Though we now live several states apart, they continue to encourage me in using my gifts for the Lord.
Posted by: Angela on July 5, 2007
As cliche as it sounds I would have to nominate my father as best teacher. At 75 he continues to lead by example, never passing judgment, always finding the best in all people. We just returned from a family reunion and my father is revered by his five younger siblings as the leader of the family. And, in a family of a whole lot of type A personalities that is saying something.
Posted by: Kathy Gillen/ lessons from the laundry on July 5, 2007
Two women leaders I treasure. First my mom. She was a passionate teacher of high school girls. She LOVED her students and her passion was to bring a skill in order to bring hope to a group of girls who otherwise would be trapped in poverty. She got up in the morning with joy and sometimes I think she really didn't enjoy the summers that much! To have passion for your work whatever it is-is a profound treasure and worth seeking. She taught me that to give people skills and hope gave them life. The second, MJ who has been model of unconditional love ever since I was twelve. In 38 years I would have to think long and hard to remember when she ever spoke negatively of someone. She always believed in hope, love, kindness, goodness and I wish I was 1/2 the woman she was. I learned so much about mothering from her and about hope and kindness-always believing the best.
I miss one through death and one through distance but feel God was so incredibly gracious to me through them both. My definition of what leadership is has changed over the years. Maybe these two are not "leaders" in the now "defined" model of Christianity-they do not nor did not lead major ministries but they did impact hundreds for Jesus. That is a true leader in my book.
Posted by: trisha on July 6, 2007
I did not have too many role models as a young child however as a young woman called to full time ministry, I knew I had to be a role model. So I turned to books and read authors like Catherine Marshall, Corrie Ten Boom and then in the last several years, my favorite role model is Carol Kent. I have watched Carol speak, interact with women, carry herself with poise and grace, take time to write thank you notes and makes a seemingly insignificant person feel like royalty. She always looks beautiful and places the attention of the conversation on the other person. She has perfected the art of speaking and training others to speak in a way unmatched by others. Through her journey of her son's difficult situation she has emerged consistent, faithful and effective(written about in her recent book, "When I Lay My Isaac Down.") I often think of her when I wonder what I should do in a particular situation. I pray that I can be effective as a role model. I know I am called to be unique as I have a different story than my role models. None of us should compare ourselves with others or we might feel we fall short. However our role models should inspire us to consider their qualities and make them our own integrating them into our own unique purposes God has called us to live out.
Posted by: Rev. Ava Oleson on July 17, 2007
My daughter-in-law teaches preschoolers - on purpose! She is master-degreed in elementary education but prefers to help those younger students get on the right track EARLY in the game. This realization came after a couple of years teaching in the older grades and recognizing how many students had missed the mark early on.
Not only the wife of our son, she is the mother of our twin grandsons and manages her home, her teaching, church and family - and still has a positive outlook - and energy galore.
I thank God for her dedication to God, family, and to her students. She is making a difference for sure!
Posted by: Pat Fanning on August 28, 2007