Professional Identity and Stewardship: Part 2: Leadership Interview

Professional Identity and Stewardship – Part 2: Leadership Interview

AMP-450V: Leadership and Vocation

Professional Identity and Stewardship – Part 2: Leadership Interview

What is your role as a health care team member?

I interviewed Pupil Services Director, Lori Smith. “My title is Pupil Services Director and I am responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of special education and pupil services, this includes health services in the school district. My responsibilities include the coordination of programming for children with disabilities from ages 3 through age 21” (L. Smith, personal communication, June 15, 2017). Special education staff and services, school health services and mental health services fall under my supervision.

How is professionalism defined and how does professional responsibility influence your work?

Professionalism is an attitude and a culture that are expectations with employees, students and parents. The delivery of communication and services are made through using correct medical and special education terminology. Honoring that when meetings are held, that they are useful, stay on track and are upholding the needs of the student or staff. Teamwork is essential in making pupil services successful. Falling under my supervision is the transportation, health services and educational services for students with special education needs. “I define this by valuing each role in the ladder of pupil services. Trying to share in leadership and allowing those who are natural leaders take on the role and I find that it helps to bring about a personal accountability that encourages others to work towards their goals” (L. Smith, personal communication, June 15, 2017).

Do you consider yourself a steward of health care? Why or Why not?

Regardless if it is a school district or health care, it is important to be good stewards of time, money and resources. “We must become effective fiscal stewards who save and generate money while improving care of the students in our district” (L. Smith, personal communication, June 15, 2017).  A basic understanding of health care financing and learning to develop a business case for budgeting are helpful tools.

Is it important to you that leaders exercise professional advocacy and authenticity as well as power and influence when working with colleagues? Why or why not?

“A key tenet of servant leadership training is that it applies to everyone in an organization — a person doesn’t necessarily have to be in charge of a situation to show leadership because leadership is demonstrated through serving others” (L. Smith, personal communication, June 15, 2017). Being authentic and advocating for employees, students and parents is so important. Being engaged in the work of other people, give 100% and show up for each and every challenge.

Author’s Impression

To compare and contrast the peer and leadership role of servant leadership, I think them both offer components of understanding what it is like to serve. It was great to be able to gather the insights from two different perspectives in regards to servant leadership.