My Leadership Philosophy
I enjoy studying Gender & Leadership because of my previous experiences both in agriculture and life. In our changing industry, as educators, we have to stress the importance to our students that the agricultural sector is not just a place for white, middle-aged men but anyone who has a passion for agriculture.
Peter Northhouse, Leadership, Theory & Practice, seventh edition pg. 400
Gender and Leadership: The Leadership Labyrinth
When you think of a farmer, what is the image that you see? Even beekeeping is a predominately male ran hobby with wives who just helped make candles. I dream of a future where when you think of a farmer you can envision someone of any gender or demographic dedicated to their work.
Moving Forward
I believe Ethical Leadership can partner with Gender and Leadership to address and improve our leadership skills.
Principles of Ethical Leadership
Peter Northhouse, Leadership, Theory & Practice, seventh edition pg. 341
If we focus on respecting others, regardless of gender, we can better build community. I see an example of positive Gender & Leadership and Ethical Leadership can be found in community gardens. When you are focused on growing food to help feed others, there is not an attitude of gender differences or prejudice; everyone is working for the common good of building a community with safe, nutritional food.
What would our society look like if we transferred that mindset to everything else we do in Agriculture?
Principles of Ethical Leadership
Peter Northhouse, Leadership, Theory & Practice, seventh edition pg. 261
Adaptive Leadership Process
Ronald Heifetz, The Practice of Adaptive Leadership pg. 341
While I focus on Gender and Leadership and Ethical Leadership, I like the Adaptive Leadership approach to organizations, specifically community gardens. Hunger is an adaptive change with no absolute answers so gardens must be adaptive to find success.