uLead 2016

Each one of us has a story; and it shapes our leadership practice whether we know it or not! Your lived experiences as a learner, teacher and leader shape your values, priorities and leadership practice; and it is critical to take time to reflect on your experiences—good and bad—so that you can mine them for the impact they have had on you. Leading schools is complex work; and it requires us to deeply understand ourselves in order to engage in collaborative, creative work in service of student learning. Living and reliving, telling and re-telling our stories is a powerful way to connect to our identity and values, to give voice to those who are vulnerable, to bring our intellectual and emotional sides together, and to help us connect with one another as leaders at a human level. This session will explore the research on the power of narrative to help you develop as an ethical leader and strengthen relationships. It will also provide practical strategies for digging into your own narrative individually and within a community.