Resource Pack - Leadership Skills

A leader can be simply defined as one who: ' guides, coaches, and directs others towards the achievement of common goals, embracing a leadership role often in a group or team. Perform, act, and behave in a manner that inspires others to follow given example.' This broad definition includes both formal and informal roles, encompassing appointed leaders and those who emerge naturally in response to events or crises. Leadership skills are required for you as a teacher to motivate students to complete tasks, often within a set timeframe.

Generation Z students expect quick and easy access to information, often preferring sources that offer content in brief, easily digestible formats. Growing up in an era of user reviews and constant online connectivity, they are accustomed to giving and receiving real-time feedback and accessing peer reviews. They also are more likely to come from multicultural backgrounds. Some Gen Z students come to classrooms with various labels such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, and different autism spectrum conditions. Gen Z students seem to have a greater tendency for “DIY” (task-oriented) and multichannel information gathering. In the era of pushed information and “hyperlinks,” some researchers have noted a reduced ability to form conceptual connections and greater difficulty distinguishing fact from opinion online. Gen Z has also shown a higher tendency to task-switch, shifting rapidly from one activity, task, or information source to another.

Teachers are therefore facing the reality of a broad spectrum of differences in their students. Thus, the leadership skills of teachers are in high demand to motivate them and work together on a common goal - master a subject, a grade, or a school.

Leadership encompasses a combination of various skills working together. Ideally, individuals become leaders due to their credibility and the willingness of others to follow them.  Key skills that contribute to effective leadership include:

• Empathy
• Reflective thinking skills
• Inclusive leadership skills
• Mentoring
• Inspirational motivation
• Negotiation skills
• Delegation skills

Characteristics of Generation Z Teachers

Generation Z teachers can be from the Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials. These three generations share the following common characteristics:

• Adaptability and Flexibility: They witnessed major technological advancements and workplace changes, such as the advent of the Internet. This has made them adaptable and technologically versatile.
• Cultural and Social Diversity: They grew up in times of the civil rights and equality movements, which made them generally more sensitive and responsive to diversity and inclusion. They value participation in their communities, which reflects their desire to contribute to collective well-being and leave a positive legacy.
• Digital Gap: Although they are adept at technology, there is still a significant difference with the younger generations when it comes to the ease and naturalness with which they use recent technologies.

Importance of the Leadership Skills for Generation Z Teachers

It is vital to be a good leader among Gen Z students. Gen Z students are often great in technology, but on the other hand, they are lacking in relationships or cooperation. A teacher with good leadership skills can provide students with just the right amount of mentoring and guidance and could help them find a way how to work together and achieve goals. The teacher can give them feedback but also learn something from them (for example in the technology area), which will build trust and validate their opinions and thoughts. As a good leader, you need to be aware that there is extensive research about Gen Z skills, but generalizations and stereotypes about them, mostly true, are not necessarily true for all of them, so reflective skills could help you to be open, able to change approach and to be empathetic.