What is the best method for learning?

Developing effective leadership skills and competencies are increasingly found in many books due to the desperate need for aspiring leaders, as well as, educational reform.  Reform inherently requires an effective  leader with strong leadership skills.  Our society is also calling upon great leaders to help in many crisis situations.  I think it is more than obvious to say that effective leadership is greatly needed in many systems in our society!  With that being said, I believe that learning to be an effective leader requires more than the research based knowledge found from reading a book; it requires intense reflection, practical application, and ultimately change.  In addition...

I have found myself being challenged greatly this semester and have questioned much of what I have endured.  In the end, I trust it is a purposeful lesson in which I will learn much more than anticipated.  In what I describe as a crazy cycle that I have been on, I have learned a great deal about being an effective leader.  One of the greatest gifts I have learned this semester is to be patient.  When there are things we have to face, what other choice do we have but to endure them for the long haul, even if it requires intense patience!  In addition, I have learned better time management.  And lastly, I feel that I have been more open to give of myself freely.  I have embraced living everyday to its fullest!  I did not learn these skills from my readings, but from being faced with difficulty.  I call these lessons "Lessons From God".  In thinking lately about my growth and change, I believe that some of it has been from our readings, how could that not impact me at some level.  However, my greatest learning and change has come from God.   

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33   

Six Secrets of Change

I have been reading Six Secrets of Change and found myself often thinking, when will things change???  I have read some of Michael Fullan’s other books.  I believe that Fullan has a strong understanding of leadership and the development of leadership capacity.  I do not consider myself an expert, however I do not feel that what Fullan teaches is state of the art theories or ideas.  To me, he describes practical and feasible strategies.  However, what is it that holds leaders back?  What is it that keeps leaders from connecting and relating to the people they lead when that is a critical element of effective leadership?  I am at this point where I feel as if the books or knowledge are not the key to change, it is the self-efficacy of the leaders themselves.  I think that people desire to be better, however I wonder if they feel they are capable or competent to change?

Last week I posted on change as well.  There were some valid and truthful responses posted.  What I want to know is what holds you back?  What is keeping you from making some change you know you should do as a leader?