When you envision yourself in the director's office, what do you see? Do you see a ruler, issuing edicts from a mighty throne? Or do you see a humble servant #leader, sitting on a simple stool, ready to support, empower, and serve their team? While the director's role comes with authority, Georgia's 40-hour Director Training is designed to cultivate the mindset of a servant leader—the most effective and respected style of #leadership in any field, especially #early-childhood-education.
What is the goal of your leadership? A ruler seeks to build a kingdom where they are in charge. A servant leader seeks to build a community where everyone thrives. The training's focus on creating a positive organizational #culture and fostering teamwork gives you the tools to do the latter. You learn that your primary role is not to command, but to create an environment where your #staff feel respected, heard, and motivated to do their best work.
What is your relationship with your team? A ruler manages their subjects, focusing on compliance and tasks. A servant leader mentors their team, focusing on #growth-and potential. The personnel management units in the training teach you how to be a coach. You'll learn to conduct performance reviews that are supportive, not punitive, and to identify and #nurture the unique strengths of each staff member. This approach builds a team that is not just compliant, but also deeply competent and committed.
How do you view your center's finances? A ruler uses the budget as a tool for control, making decisions from the top down. A servant leader sees the budget as a shared resource to fuel the center's mission. The financial management portion of the training, offered by DECAL-approved providers like ChildCareEd, gives you the skills to manage finances transparently. You learn how to involve staff in resource decisions and explain the "why" behind financial choices, which fosters a sense of shared ownership and trust.
What will be the symbol of your leadership? You can choose the crown of a ruler, demanding respect through authority. Or you can choose the apron of a servant leader, earning respect by rolling up your sleeves and asking, "How can I help you succeed?" Georgia's 40-hour Director Training provides the foundational skills for either path, but it is deeply rooted in the principles of collaborative, supportive leadership. It prepares you to be the kind of leader who doesn't just run a center, but elevates it.
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