Leadership Tools
This issue of Leading Today, Leading Tomorrow is not about hammers or computers or microscopes, although those are all useful tools.  In this issue, four different ways of measuring, understanding and reporting on how leaders lead are presented.  There a many such tools.  OΔK does not specifically endorse any of these, however, the National Headquarters staff encourage OΔK leaders and circles to use these and other similar tools to aid the growth and development of the individual and the organization. 
In This Issue
Compentencies
Student Leadership Competencies Inventory
"The Student Leadership Competencies have been developed from 5 years of research analyzing learning outcomes in all 522 accredited academic programs in higher education. The results: 60 essential leadership competencies for the 21st century."  (http://studentleadershipcompetencies.com/)

Many OΔK members are familiar with the SCL and the Student Leadership Competencies Inventory (SCLI) from the beta testing and presentation at the 2016 ODK Biennial Convention and Leadership Conference. 
 
The instrument is free to any student to use.  Like any leadership tool, understanding the results requires knowledge and skill but assistance is available.  Circles can "use the Student Leadership Competencies as a framework to develop a program" . . .to "assess competency learning and development."  The theory is sound, the tool is precise, and results will change how students and circles address leadership in the 21st century.

Performance
Finding Your Flow
Leaders are expected to perform at the highest level. Sometimes the expectations for performance can be overwhelming while understanding how to achieve the best performance can be illusive.  In Finding our Flow, Dr. Bruce Jackson provides tools for leaders to discover their best path toward better understanding of peak.  Through OΔK, Dr. Jackson is offering students,faculty and staff 60 Free Flow Tools.  Select one of the links below to be taken to the Flow Tools offer.  This can be one more tool in a leadership toolbox.
Capacities
Socially Responsible Leadership Scale
"The Socially Responsible Leadership Scale (SRLSonline) is an instrument based on the Social Change Model (SCM) of leadership development. The SRLS is used for research, assessment, and education to measure and identify leadership capacities."

One of the best guides to the 7C's of the SCM, is Leadership for a Better World by Komives, et. al.  This book is a must read for any college leader.  Written for the college student, Komives and her co-authors present the SCM in an engaging yet authoritative manner.  This text is used in countless leadership classes across the country.  

The SRLS is the "tool" that helps guide the understanding of one capacities in leadership.  For information  about Leadership for a Better World and the SRLS go to the National Clearinghouse  for Leadership Programs (NCLP).

Practices
Student Leadership Practices Inventory
The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership model created by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner is widely used by colleges and universities as a tool to help students better understand leadership. The Student Leadership Practices Inventory is designed for students at the collegiate level.  

"The Student LPI lets students accurately measure their leadership skills and take action to improve their effectiveness as leaders. Whether students take the self-assessment only or have observers provide feedback with the Student LPI 360-online or on paper-the Student LPI will cultivate the leadership potential in each of them."

Combined  with the book, The Student Leadership Challenge, the Student LPI can be a powerful tool for guiding oneself or an entire group in the practice of leadership.

Have you read an interesting article or post that you would like to share?  
Send the link to [email protected].
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