PLG 1

Inspirational Leadership - Better Drinks Co.

How do these ideas relate to leadership in a school?

Leadership starts at an early age. For Craig Cotton (CEO of Better Drinks Co.) his earliest memory was at 6 years old. We can offer students opportunities in leadership at a young age from taking responsibility for getting to school on time, to making school lunches, to leading the kapa haka group but we must remember to extend these roles as students get older, to offer more and extend our students in leadership, just as we would in academics.

Cottons talks about creating family within a company, that a smaller family within the larger company was created and that family had an amazing foundation. He also acknowledges those who have gone before him to set the foundations for the company so that he could assist to extend what already existed. This is an idea that runs through many educational institutions. To acknowledge and give 'thanks' to those who were there before you and have passed the baton onto the present representation. That family sayings, rituals and stories are important to the leadership journey. I would hope that the rituals and stories that I leave behind in my leadership journeys are all positive but also practical and current for the times. The whole notion of "because we've always done it that way" is one that has a place and time depending on the tradition.

Lastly Cotton talks about "it simply comes down to your culture", culture is a huge part of the reason why things are the way they are AND why we do what we do. In educational institutions culture is spoken of regularly and it's great to see lots of readings on this within the Educational leadership portfolio in TKI. Building culture is different within different organisations so it takes a great leader to do this well.

How do you inspire a collaborative and innovative workplace?

I know it's cliché but BY BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS - the more me and my collegues connect with others, share ideas, take risks in our teaching and learning within a safe environment the more innovative and creative people get.

What drives you to get out of bed on schools mornings?

The fact that I see my community loving and living a full life and that I get to help out in that journey and in return, they help me with my learning journey too! The opportunities that I get and then can pass on to others also.

From <http://myportfolio.school.nz/user/kirilaing/leadersip-page-2016>