Abstract
Of all the definitions of “leaders” and “leadership” that I found as I prepared this message, this definition aligns best with my own perspective of leadership and of my experiences with DEC:
Leadership is a process of social influence which maximizes efforts of others towards achievement of a goal.
Kruse (2013) goes on to discuss what leadership is not. For example, leadership is not a title, and it is not having followers. Leadership
One of those goals that leaders in DEC are working on is advancing racial equity through our culture and our work.
If you have not yet, please take time to read the DEC Racial Equity Point of View (RE PoV). Even if you have read it, you may want to again and again! Every time I read the RE PoV, I find a different point to consider. As well, I hope you have been able to engage in discussions about the journey DEC is on to achieve racial equity. If not yet, please watch for opportunities yet to come. The RE PoV is transformational guidance for DEC in dismantling barriers and improving outcomes of those most impacted by systemic racism and structural inequality. With this, we know that we must look not only outside but also
As I reflect on Kruse (2013) definition of leadership and the RE PoV together, I note
• we are working hard to break down barriers and have a more inclusive and equitable environment for all to succeed in DEC
• through DEC, there are short- and long-term opportunities for leadership that can match nearly any expectation and individual desire for engagement.
My experiences in leadership in DEC have very much aligned with the idea that Kruse (2013) discussed. Through both short-term opportunities, such as updating a position paper, and long-term opportunities, such as serving as a committee chair or on the executive board, individuals come together to accomplish a goal.
We are working hard to examine practices and change/remove those practices that have caused individuals to feel like they were not welcome to be a leader or feel they were not eligible for leadership opportunities within DEC. Please know that, if you are reading this and you are a member of DEC, you are eligible to be a leader in DEC.
My leadership journey began about 20 years ago when a very dear friend and mentor told me that, sometimes, others see possibilities in you that you don’t see in yourself. Until she talked with me about leadership, I never saw myself as a leader and usually shied away from opportunities . . . I certainly would not have considered running for the executive board of DEC! Not long after she and I had this discussion, someone tapped my shoulder, pointed out a leadership opportunity in DEC, and said, “You’d be great at this.”
DEC functions because of individuals who provide valuable, engaged leadership. So, I ask you, please listen to your peers and mentors. Be open to that shoulder tap and realize that “You’d be great at this!”
If you have questions about leadership opportunities in DEC, please email
Finally, as I am wrapping up my term on the board, I send you all sincere gratitude for all you do for DEC and, most importantly, for children, families, the workforce, and for the EI/ECSE field. I am so proud to be a member of the Division of Early Childhood!
#worldchangers
All my best,
