Leadership and Advocacy

Chapter 11


During class last week when we were talking about historical moments and Washington, the question of what a leader is was brought up. In my head a leader is someone who would never ask more of their followers than what they themselves are willing to do. This concept is something that I actively demonstrate as a leader. For the past two years as a Graduate Assistant, I led my staff of 10, making mistakes along the way, but when check in hit, or there was a crazy situation, I was there. Whether it was 2am or 5pm. My staff knew that no matter the time, I would be there for them. I think a lot of people see school counselors in the same way. Some might not call it leadership, but to me, leadership is being able to call someone you look up to, knowing that even if they cannot solve the problem immediately they will problem solve with you to find a solution temporary or long term, that serves your needs the best. School Counselors are often seen as the “go to” person for things that they may not even be informed about.

When Kouzes and Posner (1995) said that “leaders arise not from maintaining the status quo but from finding new ways to address old problems” I aloud agreed with a loud “YES!” forgetting my surroundings as I'm in the library made for a pretty embarrassing scene, but it is so true. I've had many managers who are in a leadership position that maintain “this is how its always been done” mentalities it makes me sick! If it's not working than ethically a change should be occurring. Clearly, this is rocket science. In the reflection moment on page 191, I would like to more fully develop my ability to plan for the future, especially as a leader. My biggest deficit is not being able to see a plan come together in my head. This can cause problems because sometimes I don’t see problems until during an event. As a school counselor, the ability to see potential pitfalls with a program or an event would serve me very well. I keep hoping this will come with experience. To be fair to myself, the only consistent job I've held for the last four years straight is my para educator spot with the IU. There have been job changes (RA to GA etc) during that time period so every time I think I'm getting the hang of something more fully, my time in that setting expires.

Changing gears completely, I wanted to focus a little on the authors section on advocacy. My whole purpose for entering into the school counseling field was to provide advocacy for students with learning needs, especially those who don't even know that they can have accommodations! I love the part where the American Counseling Associations Advocacy Competencies states that “advocacy is not only acting on behalf of others but also includes empowerment, which means acting with others”. This specific portion of the definition I want to remember for when I write my personal statement for my school counseling job. There are so many things that we as school counselors will be asked to do on a daily bases, but this job, advocacy, is number one on my list.

Dollarhide, C. T., & Saginak, K. A. (2012). Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.

             (2nd ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.