Haiku Learning Blog

Have you ever felt so passionate about something that you wanted to share your passion with others so they, too, could experience your enthusiasm? Have you ever wished that the leadership in your school or organization felt the same way you did? After all, they are the ones in a position to make a positive impact on others…or are they? Leaders are not simply people hired into a position as the boss, the supervisor, the manager, or the principal.

Leaders can be found all around us.

Years ago, I was drawn to a mild-mannered man whose leadership philosophy was simple, practical, and nothing but inspiring. John Yokoyama was found in a most unlikely place: a Seattle fish market. With the integrity and commitment every leader should have, he envisioned the possibilities of the way things could become at his place of business. After sharing his vision with his employees, Yokoyama set out to empower and inspire them through a shared leadership approach. Their daily challenge was to look for opportunities to positively impact others in four ways:

• First of all, by being there (being present) emotionally, for people. Showing a caring attitude towards others indicates respect for them and helps with communication and relationship building.
• Next, by playing. Playing can release energy, creativity, and an enthusiasm for the task at hand, even if it is simply playing with an idea.
• Then, by “Making their Day” in positive, honest, no-strings-attached ways through small gestures that show people you care.
• Finally, by choosing your attitude, which simply means to take responsibility for how we respond to what life throws at us, whether from home or the place.”Once you are aware that your choice impacts everyone around you, you can determine whether your attitude is helping those around you or the person you want to be.

Think about it!

What are you passionate about? What are you doing as a “behind-the-scenes” leader to impact others? What does your attitude say about you as someone whose opinion should be valued? Is it possible to find opportunities, in an online learning environment, to positively impact and support others? If so, how…if not, why not?

About the Author

In addition to being a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of eight, professionally Barbara Pace is:

• the Professional Development Website Facilitator for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township
• the district’s on-site Coordinator of an Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis online master’s program, “Curriculum and Design with an Emphasis on Technology”;
• one of 15 participants in the master’s program (Graduating: December ’09)
• the Online Design Consultant for the Nursing Department at the University of Indianapolis

Barbara uses Haiku LMS in all three course situations listed above.