Leadership Connector - Competence

I know I keep saying this in each post, but I really like this book- maybe it is because I see so many parallels to my job as a relatively new administrator.  One of the first things my mentor told me last year when I was hired as a new principal is that "nobody expects you to know everything, and it is alright to say you aren't sure and need to check on something and get back to the person".  That was good advice, because there were times I was faced with questions and situations in which I didn't immediately know the answer - it is much easier and more respected to say you need to check on something rather than to spout off some random answer and have to "back track" to correct what you said when you provided incorrect information.

I really like the list of eight items the book outlined on "What Do I Really Need to Know and How Can I Learn It?"  I think the important part of that section is the "how can I learn"....that is a big part, because recognizing "what I don't know or need to know" is pretty easy...who to go to and how to find out how to do something in a little harder. 

The liked the section on self-efficacy - transitioning from one position to another can be a big leap at times.  The belief that you are capable of successfully accomplishing the tasks associated with the new position is very important.  I like the recommendation outlined in the story about Oscar, to "listen, observe, reflect and analyze" and also to find a knowledgeable person to mentor him.  I think with those steps in place the responses we make to either give up or seek to do the task is manageable. 

I really enjoyed this chapter on competence!