Servant-Leadership at Chisipite

Servant-Leadership. Does it apply to us?

It seems that Chisipite Senior School has inadvertently wandered into the cutting edge of business ethics without realizing it! Servant-Leadership is not a new fad that simply replaces the prefect system. It is a vibrant, dynamic and very contemporary way of life that creates an environment conducive to growth; growth of an individual, every individual, and growth of a community. What educationalist could ask for more.

Servant Leadership in the Sixth Form

Three years ago, the Headmistress of Chisipite Senior School implemented a changed leadership system within the Upper Sixth Form, which replaced the traditional prefect system. Motivated by a similar move by Hilton College in Natal, SA, and to address areas of divisiveness and elitism in the Sixth Form, the school adopted a servant-leadership policy specifically for Upper 6 students. The change was fairly radical, experimental and met with deep suspicion from many sectors of the Chisipite community, including the Sixth Form girls themselves.

Looking back with the experience of three years, it is easier to answer the question Why change? Initially, we thought to change in order to address negative issues. Little did we realize the impact this new method would have on the school community as a whole. All that was positive about the prefect system was still there. But there was much more. Individuals who would normally not have been recognized as leaders leapt at the opportunity to contribute towards the school's development. Self-confidence amongst individuals who were given the opportunity to lead in their specific areas of interest and strength soared. Quieter, reticent individuals took to the stage, sometimes literally! Groups of individuals who were frustrated at not having enough to do in their particular portfolios presented proposals for new responsibilities. Thus in 3 years we have incorporated Sixth Form students into the running of the Thrift shop and the Lost Property departments. Several portfolios of liaison have been created to enhance communication between departments, staff and office. Form leaders have proposed developments for their particular year groups to their Line Mistresses. None of these was implemented by staff. All arose from the initiative of the Sixth Form themselves. The running of the school adapted according to the needs seen by the girls themselves.

And what about the would-be prefects? They have thrived and risen to the fore as we expected them to. They have motivated and encouraged and initiated with enthusiasm. The only difference is that their peers work with them, not under them.

The advantages that have emerged have surpassed our expectations. Why change? Because it was the right thing to do at the right time.

Servant Leadership Conference March 2006

At the end of the first term, five teachers from the Chisipite staff were delighted to learn that the practice they had leapt into 3 years ago, is substantiated by the world's recognition of the relevance, importance and success of servant-leadership in both business and educational fields. We were privileged to be part of a conference held at Hilton College in Natal, which invited educationalists from around SA to hear internationally acclaimed writers, speakers, teachers and lecturers share their views on servant-leadership. The Chisipite staff, never known to pass up an opportunity for development (and travel), expressed an interest in the material that was to be covered and were immediately invited to join the conference.

Servant leadership is not a new concept. Neither is it confined to the school system. On the contrary, John Noble, CEO of the Greenleaf Centre for Servant-Leadership in the UK, cited responses from leading companies in the US and the UK who have adopted this system of leadership because of the change in employee commitment to companies. A decade ago, companies were assured of the commitment and support of employees who, in turn, trusted their job environment to fulfill their financial, emotional and family needs. Over the past 10 to 15 years things have changed. Companies are more competitive, more task and profit orientated and less concerned for the welfare of individuals. Employees, in turn, are looking for more flexibility in their careers and job descriptions, and expect to change careers, let alone companies, several times in a life-time. In short, in John Noble's words, a contract has been broken. Companies are faced with employees who are out to fight for themselves. Employees are faced with companies that will use people as resources (hence the business term, "Human Resources"&)

The result? A decline in employee morale, a decline in company profit. In the face of this, Robert K. Greenleaf responded to Herman Hess' proposal of the importance of servant-leadership. The author illustrates the concept in his novel Journey to the East, in which Leo, the servant of a group of wealthy travelers shows how invaluable he is to their survival when he abandons them in the middle of the desert to fend for themselves. Without his invaluable and constant, submissive serving, they fail. Leo, the servant, turns out to be the leader. Greenleaf recognized the value and practicality of the lesson from the novel and thus the Greenleaf Foundation was born. Again, the concept was not new, neither was it the brain-child of Robert Greenleaf. But the timing and the business environment called out for something other than a traditional view that leadership is an extension of power and dominance. The numerous companies that have been brave enough to launch out with this system, have thrived. In 2002, an extension of the Greenleaf Centre for Servant-leadership was established in South Africa. The country's political history made the nation a rich environment for the promotion of servant-leadership.

Servant Leadership in education

I have found a general truth about the academic community. We do not like change.

The world is in an ever-increasing whirl of change but many educational environments are stubbornly holding on to tried and tested tradition. Things have worked this way in the past and will probably work this way for years. But at what cost? And are we really preparing our young people for life? Are we intent on empowering skills-based individuals who will enter the world market with confidence because they are assured, flexible, intrinsically motivated and well aware of their individual strengths and potential? Mario Denton, Senior Lecturer in the Business School of Management at Stellenbosch University, highlighted the importance of emotional competence in the world today. High EQ produces people who are sure of issues and able to perform well. The traditional environment of our schools in Zimbabwe often inhibits, rather than enhances, emotional intelligence. Students are often seen as statistics, labeled, boxed and sent down one-way tunnels that we, as educationalists, deem suitable for them. How dare we! Seldom do we acknowledge late-maturers. Seldom do we loosen the reigns to allow potential to lead where it may. The result of our short-sightedness? A small, successful elite of like-leavers, who brandish their academic or sporting referrals like a fait-accompli in a world that is seeking initiative, self-assurance and the ability to adapt and create. Sadly, it is often the hand-picked, groomed prefects that suffer the most from this system when they enter the real world. Their greatness has often been thrust upon them, and may stunt instead of release their individual potential.

Leadership, initiative, success are not about power. These attributes are about realised potential. About individual strengths that, when combined, rock the world. Chisipite Senior School has taken a step towards the first tilt.

Mrs Kirk

Sixth Form Careers and Development by Sarah C

The first term offers the best opportunity to provide the Upper Sixth with outside advice on differing careers and study options. After their initial general talks in Lower Sixth, the girls are in a position to know roughly "what" and "where" and hence, these presentations with representatives with specific knowledge allow our girls to ask relevant and pertinent questions for their needs.

The following careers talks took place at Chisipite during the first term:

" Wendy Thorn from Macpherson Consultants gave the 6th form girls information on what they would require to attend university in Australia, Canada, the U.S.A and the U.K, as well as in many satellite campuses throughout the world. She also instructed the girls about what they would require to attain their student visas; a process that is becoming far more difficult for potential Australian students.
" The U.S Public Affairs office gave the 6th form girls advice on what they needed to consider whilst searching for a college in the U.S.A, such as their field of study, the size, location, and climate the college they are considering. Mrs Zeigler-Mano also told the girls what they would need when they apply to their universities, such as academic records, non-academic records and the SAT scores they will require.
" The U.S Public Affairs Office then returned to present to Form's 3, 4, Lower and Upper 6. This talk focused on sports scholarships in the U.S.A. The speakers explained to the girls about the different divisions and what each division offered in terms of scholarships. The girls were also told that they should produce videos of them participating in their chosen sports, or the times they have achieved if they participate in sports such as swimming or athletics.
" Representatives from Johnson and Wales University from North Carolina gave a presentation on their business and hospitality degrees. This college provides a very different course selection to those of many U.S. colleges and was of interest to those girls looking for an academic qualification in a largely vocational field. This was their first visit to Zimbabwe but they had knowledge of Chisi as two of our past pupils are currently studying with them.
" Mrs. Munangati, a lawyer practicing in Zimbabwe, gave the 6th form girls a talk about choosing law as a career. She has often come to Chisi to give advice and is helpful not only in the details of how to achieve law qualifications but also inform the girls as to the reality of the demands of law as a career for working women.
" The Travel & Tourism class enjoyed a talk from an ex-pupil, Jo Proctor, who has travelled extensively around East Asia.
" Chisipite is also expecting representatives from Port Alfred Res. of Stenden on the 28th of March, and a presentation from Smith College, a highly selective liberal arts college from the U.S.A. on the 30th of March.

This term Chisipite has also provided the following talks to the 6th forms:

" A responsible driving course was held in conjunction with Saint John's College. The purpose of this talk was to instruct the girls on how to best avoid being involved in any accidents, what they should do in an emergency and basic police procedure.
" On the 17th of March, the upper 6 girls received a talk about women's rights from the U.S. Public Affairs department.

Both talks have been invaluable in further educating the girls on issues that affect them, outside the demands of the set syllabus.

We look forward to further expanding our development of the Sixth Form in future terms.

Staff Development

The first term often provides the staff with the opportunity to engage in further staff development before the school year gallops away with them.
" Cambridge International Examinations are holding a number of courses in Johannesburg where teachers can meet with the examiners and have an opportunity to ask specific questions and seek clarification. Mr. Kufa will be attending for A level Physics, Mrs. Mollat and Mrs. Chigumete for IGCSE Geography and Mrs. Ametewee and Mr. Nyambawaro for A level Business Studies.
" A further CIE course is scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and we plan to send Mrs. Morrisby and Mrs. Phillips for IGCSE Business Studies, Mrs. for IGCSE Biology, Mrs. Mahachi and Mr. Mangwanda for A level Chemistry, Mrs. Wilkinson and Mrs. Ebrahim for A level History, Miss Tadievushe and Mrs. Chizana for A level Accounting,
" The school was featured in the Cambridge Outlook magazine as a pilot school for the IGCSE Enterprise qualification and Mrs. Morrisby will also be participating in the online teacher development scheme over the next seven weeks.
" Mrs. Hill attended the first ATS Deputy Heads workshop held in conjunction with Gateway Teacher Training College. The two day course saw Deputy Heads from all over the country discuss ideas and experiences on issues as broad as the changing role of deputies, the value of mentorship, the relationships with your Head and the need to understand school finance.
" Mrs. Misiewicz facilitated a report writing seminar that the teacher body found extremely useful.