Contrary to popular belief, imagination is not something people are born with; like many leadership skills, it can be learned. Think about how imagination played such a key role in your life as a child. Unfortunately, as children get older, schools and society, in general, tend to downplay the importance of imagination, in deference to practical thinking.
The power of imagination
However, those of us in the know understand the powerful influence that imagination can have on leadership. It can help give you a competitive edge by allowing you to explore angles and avenues that your practical thinking peers scoff at.
How can you unlock your imagination, after it has been imprisoned for so long? You need to go out of your way to try new experiences, learn new things, and practice inquisitiveness by continually asking further questions. In doing so, so you will unlock your natural creativity and innovation and discover a new way of looking at things. Then you tap into this power, the more skilled you will become at using.
Over the next 6 months, practice using your imagination to dream up new initiatives and projects. Think of initiatives and projects that could give you a competitive edge and help your teachers and their students become more productive. Ask your leadership team, teachers, and students to help you during this process.
How did it turn out? I suspect that it turned out well and that people are lauding you for your imagination and innovation. Also, other education leaders and contacting you, asking you to help them develop similar initiatives and projects. If you are not careful, you might win some distinguished award like “administrator of the year” or “education innovator of the year.”
Concluding thoughts
Education leadership is certainly not child’s play, but when you use your imagination to help you become more effective, it can sure seem like it. So, don’t be afraid to venture into new ways of thinking, new trends and technologies, and new pedagogical methodologies. What is in our imagination today will be commonplace tomorrow.
