The leadership behavior which best describes Randy Pausch is that of promoter. The characteristics of being warm, friendly, flexible, persuasive, imaginative, creative, and enthusiastic were clearly evident in his lecture, book, and his life. A secondary behavior which describes his leadership style would be that of supporter. His demeanor seemed to be strong-willed and he was competitive and eagerly ambitious in reaching some of his dreams.
Randy Pausch had all of the capacities of leadership needed to be an effective leader. He had the moral purpose of being a positive role model to his students and after his lecture to the many people who read his book and watched the video of his presentation. He spoke of using a head fake in learning. This is when an individual teaches others something, but they don’t realize they are learning until well into the process (Pausch & Zaslow, 2008).
Change was another leadership capacity Randy exhibited. He wanted to share his life journey and how he reached some of his childhood dreams through his lecture. He also gave insight in how he developed both his personal and professional relationships. He discussed the initial obstacles he had in dating his future wife which he called “romancing the brick wall” (Pausch & Zaslow, 2008).
Dr. Pausch was displaying coherence making as he presented his lecture and in discussing his life. He identified his childhood dreams and what actions he took to achieve many of them. The educator in him was very aware of the importance of knowledge building and sharing. One of the objectives of his lecture was to show others how to achieve their childhood dreams. He has left this lasting life lesson for his children as well as anyone who wants to attain their dreams.
References
Pausch, R., & Zaslow, J. (2008). The Last Lecture.
Hello Nick'
ReplyDeleteYour assessment of Dr. Pausch's leadership capacities seems very insightful and accurate. He was certainly a teacher first; hence, the lecture approach to passing on information he wanted others to have. The inner morality of his personality seems to be a common thread among all good leaders. By good, I mean those who strive to do good for others, not those who use leadership skills for purposes of evil doing.
Again, this last lecture approach, whether it is one's last or just a use of the format, demands of the presenter to share all that they can with the idea that this could be their last chance. This is an excellent format for change. When someone such as Dr. Pausch used this format he was truly making an impact for change by the fact that it was-sadly-his last lecture.
I find that a leader teaches by speaking from experience. Randy Pausch went through life just like everyone else, but when faced with death, he was able to reflect back on time and view his real accomplishments. When we are faced with difficult situations, we do not look at how it may change us for the better. Dr. Pausch had this opportunity and shared it with others.
ReplyDeleteBoth Randy Pausch and Oprah Winfrey share the leadership qualities of knowledge building and sharing. Both have used their role as leaders to create change in others. Without people who challenge our current beliefs, we would not evolve as a society.
Dr.Randy Pausch had many qualities every good leader shares. As you mentioned, he was a promoter and a supporter. His personable characteristics helped him, no doubt, in achieving his childhood dreams. Having the goal of being a good role model for students is one to which all teachers should aspire.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the "head fake" with regards to teaching.
All leaders attempt to make change. Dr. Pausch was no exception. The fact that he realized his childhood dreams is a testament to his authenticity as a leader.
Hi Nick,
ReplyDeleteAs Dawn said I too loved the "head fake". I think often as educators it is the "head fake" that we are really trying to teach but we must do it in a less than deliberate fashion.
I have not read this book but many of my friends have and were very touched by what it and Randy had to say. Your assessment of his leadership capacities makes great sense. I believe you hit on many qualities which make him a leader and perhaps more importantly for us, an educational leader.
Jenny talked of Jung Chang as being a quiet leader and in some ways this may describe Randy. He put himself out there and let other draw their own conclusions using their own reflections. Leadership may be loud or it may be quiet but it is still leadership and it is very valuable. Thank you for sharing his story!