Leading involves listening and exploring possibilities before making decisions. While they may be decisive, they also realise the importance of engagement. I really like the model shown below, developed by the council of the City of Charles Sturt, as I think it shows the many facets of interacting with the community. Leaders need to understand that engagement is not simply working at informing and consulting. To only work at this level is not to engage but to believe you know it all and so only need to check in for affirmation or fine detail. Where leaders understand the many facets of engagement they are able to articulate the level they are working at, who will make the final decision and how the voices of others will be heard and valued.
I would suggest that this model can be adapted for educational leadership, especially to encourage student voice. Schools often focus on informing and discussing, thinking that discussing = consulting. Yet this is just the start, often being implemented when ideas are well developed. The second stage of consultation sees stakeholders involved in dialogue during the early stages of planning and having a role during the whole process even if they do not make the final decision. Less often, schools focus on students as equal partners, with decisions being made together. And still less frequently are students entrusted to initiate and manage their own work.
All these levels of engagement are appropriate. When students (and other stakeholder in all settings) have opportunities to be partners in decision making there is a greater chance of commitment and increased opportunities to make decisions for oneself. This is the fine balance between structure and freedom.
