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Democratic Leadership

Sweetgrass by a body of water“The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world. Individuality is cherished and nurtured, because in order for the whole to flourish, each of us has to be strong in who we are and to carry our gifts with conviction, so they can be shared with others.”

Robin Wall Kimmerer, 2014, p 134. Photo by RWK

Let’s look more in-depth at democratic leadership, also known as participative leadership or shared leadership. It is a type of leadership style in which members of the group take a more participative role in the decision-making process. To be successful it must be sustainable.

Democratic leadership is strength-based. According to Ekaterina Walter there are four essentials of strength-based leadership. They include recognizing that leadership is a privilege, not a right. It is important to build diverse teams, be transparent, don’t try to fix but instead align and empower people rather than manage.

Sustainability in Leadership

Thinking about sustainability in leadership is important. It is not about someone being in the same position forever. The sustainable leader continues to grow, just as the program grows. 

Sustainability includes:

  • Having a strong sense of purpose. What is your value system? What is the philosophy of your centre?  Does the philosophy align with your values?
  • Being thoughtful about the BIG PICTURE. What goals do you have? Some centres focus on school readiness, others focus on the child’s creativity, and/or emotional intelligence and becoming a contributing citizen.
  • Being ready to build long lasting relationships with families and community.
  • Being adaptable to change and new ways of doing things. Having a Plan B, C, etc.
  • Continuing to build on your advanced skills: active listening, storytelling, creating a shared vision and motivating others.
  • Considering what other ways can you think of that will help a good program to flourish.
  • Having strategies for sustainability.
  • Striving towards maintaining a positive work environment by:
    • Having good communication skills and collaboration
    • Valuing diversity, inclusivity and mutual respect
    • Demonstrating integrity (ethical practice)
    • Mentorship
    • Delegating tasks
  • Prioritizing the well-being of educators and staff with work/life balance by:
    • Providing professional development opportunities (workshops, conferences, etc.)
    • Including activities that encourage relationships (potlucks with parents, traditional knowledge sharing, etc.)
    • Understanding of and support for community milestones (celebrations, losses, environmental events, etc.
Activity
  • Think about: What will (or could be) your impact on future generations? What does democratic leadership look like in your communities and Early Years programs? Write a few reflections in your journal about your understanding of democratic leadership.
An example of a leader who was somewhat ahead of his time was President Jimmy Carter who recognized that caring for our home, Mother Earth, is an important part of leadership that we must pass on to future generations.

"Acknowledging the physical realities of our planet does not mean a dismal future of endless sacrifice. In fact, acknowledging these realities is the first step in dealing with them. We can meet the resource problems of the world — water, food, minerals, farmlands, forests, overpopulation, pollution — if we tackle them with courage and foresight."

- Jimmy Carter, 1981, farewell address

References

Walter, E. (2013, August 27). Four essentials of strength-based leadership. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ekaterinawalter/2013/08/27/four-essentials-of-strength-based-leadership/?sh=424e027764c9 ]

Carter, J. (1981, January 14). Farewell address to the nation. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/the-carters/selected-speeches/president-jimmy-carters-farewell-address

Kimmerer, R.W. (2014). Braiding Sweetgrass. Milkweed Editions.

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