Don Ledingham
Oct 11th, 2006 by Don Ledingham
- I am a teacher.
- My current post is Acting Director of Education and Children’s Services for East Lothian Council.
- My professional interests are: learning and teaching; and educational leadership and cultural change.
- Other interests include: writing poetry; photography; natural history; Scottish traditional music; rural heritage; walking and sport.
- I’ve been keeping this learning log since August 2005. It started of simply as a means recording what I was up to on a day-to-day basis. Since then it’s grown into something which has had, and is having, a profound effect upon my professional practice.
- E-mail - dledingham@eastlothian.gov.uk
A Mission
I believe that an over-emphasis on hierarchy has a debilitating influence upon an organisation. If people can only do things because they are given approval by their leader then there exists an in-built limit to the potential of the organization.
Hierarchies are important structural elements of a successful organization – enabling clear lines of responsibility and accountability. However, hierarchy must not signify any implication that the opinion of someone further up the hierarchy is likely to be “better” than anyone lower down.
Such an approach values the potential contribution made by everyone in the organization and encourages ‘real’ participation. In this sense we are attempting to create a culture which shares responsibility for success.
I believe that by encouraging participation we are tapping into people’s intrinsic desire to do something fulfilling in their working lives. Such an enabling culture connects with the values of duty, service and commitment which underpin every person who works in education, although sometimes lurking beneath the observable behaviour of some people.
Such an organisation has faith in people and trusts that by providing such an environment that people will respond in kind.
A common characteristic of an overly hierarchical organisation is the way in which it handles information i.e. “knowledge is power”. The culture to which I aspire is one where all information – aside from personally confidential information – is shared with everyone, and, more importantly, where leaders are prepared to engage in dialogue about that information. Through dialogue we shape our future together.
This idea of shaping our future together provides a foundation for success by recognizing that together we achieve much more than if we were to do it by ourselves. The development of a community of people who value and care for each other regardless of position is a fundamental element what we seek to build.
Yet such a culture cannot be created overnight, it requires patience, stamina and a capacity to see long-term consequences for short term actions.
Within such a culture everyone is accountable for the success of the organisation. The aim is to move away from the dominant definition of accountability as liability and blame - towards an understanding which sees accountability as personal commitment, where people can operate at a level far beyond any negative line of consequence which can paralyse and destroy creativity and personal satisfaction.
By adopting an appreciative approach towards people, ideas and practice we build an optimistic and enthusiastic culture where anything is possible. If such a mentality is combined with a reflective and ‘critical’ eye - where ideas and opinions are open to dialogue and improvement -then an exceptionally powerful momentum can be created - a momentum which is characterised by a determination to do things “well”.
For such a culture to be introduced, developed and sustained the leader must ensure that their behaviour reflects the values which have been outlined above. It is this consistency in personal behaviour which provides the greatest leadership challenge, for the temptations to make quick changes for personal benefit; relying upon hierarchy to push things through; denigrating others; dismissing alternative opinions; and adopting a management-centric perspective towards the change process are difficult to resist.
Yet, I would argue, leaders who are committed to substantive change in their organisation would do well to resist these temptations and concentrate on translating the above theory into daily practice.
It is my singular goal to try to create such a culture.
Why a Learning Log?
“Blogito ergo sum - “I blog therefore I am” - apologies to Descartes. Maybe you can tell something about someone who blogs? But when I think about the range of people whose professional blogs I read there doesn’t seem any common stereotype which could be applied.
I think a key factor which is influencing some people’s perception about blogging is that it’s seen to be connected with ego. The very word “blog” has the potential to be an obstacle and cause an immediate negative reaction. If the word only serves to exclude - rather than include - then it becomes serious handicap. That’s why I prefer the term “Learning Log”.
A “Learning Log” can be captured in a relatively simple tri-colon: “Where you’ve been; where you are; and where you’re going”. I’m not talking here of travel in any sort of geographical sense, but more about the journey which relates to our opinions, ideas and perceptions.
A Learning Log imposes a discipline upon the reflective process, which, although it may be going on informally, or tacitly, all of the time, can often be lost in the ‘jungle’ which forms much of our daily, weekly and monthly work.
The Learning Log just gives you that brief - and, for me, ever more valuable, opportunity to step outside and look back upon your practice and direction of travel.
The reflective power of the on-line Learning Log is magnified when the contribution of others’ comments is taken into consideration. The Learning Log therefore provides an invaluable strategic map, in that it enables you to retrace your steps and see where you’ve come from, identify where you are at any one point in time and, hopefully, enable you to explore the future in a relatively safe environment.
The other, incredibly useful role for the Learning Log is that it enables you to see connections between various things that you are doing that might not be apparent if they were contained within their normal silos. For me it’s this connecting function that helps me to make sense of some the very disparate things that I do in my day-to-day work.
If this seems focused upon the benefits to the Learning Logger then that has been deliberate - the benefit of a Learning Log to other people is very much dependent upon the reader’s perception - whilst at the same time modelling the kind of transparency which I believe should be characteristic of modern public service systems
Career
2005-2008 Head of Education - East Lothian Council
2000 - 2005 Head Teacher - Dunbar Grammar School
1997 - 2000 Depute Head Teacher - Selkirk High School
1995 - 1997 Assistant Head Teacher - Berwickshire High School
1990 - 1995 Principal Teacher of Physical Education - Earlston High School
1987 - 1990 Lecturer (secondment) - Moray House College of Education, Scottish Centre for Physical Education
1983 - 1987 Principal Teacher of Physical Education - Earlston High School
1980 - 1983 Teacher of Physical Education - Galashiels Academy and neighbouring primary schools
Hi Don
This is probably the wrong place to drop you a note, but people I know keep bumping into you. You are off to Harvard with Jennifer Wadley, Judith’s Head. She asked if I knew you I said yes and probably should have stopped there. No okay dont panic! Just thought all the people who said they have met you over the years should drop you a note to say hi. You will not believe I am still in education given the interest I showed at college. I have actually joined the dark side and am on the SMT at the Anderson high in Shetland. As this might be going public I will not bore people further.
Glad to hear at least one of us made good. Hope to hear from you sometime.
Your old buddy
Peter
Peter
Wonderful to hear from you. You must be something of legend in Shetland as every person I’ve ever met from the island claims to know you - then they laugh!!! I, of course, am a completely reformed character from what I was at college and have turned into a responsible, reliable and sober individual (aye right!!)
Take care
Don
Very very inspiring - is it possible for us to speak - I have been developing and working with some very innovative/empowering tools/models/ideas that expand people’s possibilities and personal potential- we’ve have some major successes in the Prince’s Trust and the NHS - my nos 01803 865 657 or 07838 1966 28 - take it easy ( but take it) - mo
Don,
I have been following your blog for some time and have found it interesting and informative. So thought I’d say hello. Last time we met you were at Duns and Dougie MacIntosh and I made the long journey from Tain for a senior girls Basketball match.
I’m still at Tain where I’ve been Depute for 7 years. I am interested in leadership development and have enjoyed reading your thoughts. I have just returned from a days training on Highland’s online leadership support package http://highland-leadership.sitc.co.uk/ at which we were introduced to blogging, wiki, swikis etc.
I look forward to hearing how things go for you at Harvard in the summer.
Regards
Alastair
Alastair
Good to hear from you. Glad to know you are enjoying the log - even if rambles a bit.
Are you hoping to make the next step to HT? If you want to keep an edubuzz blog please feel free - I’d recommend it - http://edubuzz.org/blogs/wp-signup.php
Hi Don!
A very interesting blog! I came across it when researching for a course I have been asked to deliver for AHDS. I am a DHT council member of the union and have been invited to deliver “Becoming a new DHT/Leadership skills”. I am very interseted in Adaptive Leadership and we are very much along the road regarding this in our school in Ayr.
The course will contain some experience of this obviously. There are other areas I will cover in the “challenges” apsect. Any advice on how to develop a course such as this? Your own blog will be of help if I may use some ideas I have found.
Ken
Thanks for your comments.
You might like to contact Eileen Brown,HT Kyle Academy, who was one of my colleagues at the recent Harvard Graduate School of Education. As someone who works in the same authority she might be able to give you more specific advice.
You might also like to take a look at http://www.sevensides.typepad.com.
Thanks,
I know Eileen from various events. I’ll get in touch.
Ken
I am a pupil at Knox Academy High School. I just thought you might like to know that I also love to write poetry and most of them rhyme! I also love to take photos because I find it fun and relaxing. I found out about this blog from my teacher Ms Watson.
Hi Emma
Why don’t you ask Ms Watson if you could get your own blog and then you could start to put up your own poems and photographs.
Don,
Just found this website and have enjoyed reading through some of the blogs and comments made. I am also a PE teacher and was a student of yours at Moray House (Cramond Campus). I was particularly taken by the blog on the extra curricular site and totally agree. Enthusiasm for activity is the key for all sports and how we as PE teachers gain that is the goal. I will always remember my rugby coach at school ( the tremendous Alan Crow) and how his zest for the game transferred to all his players, it’s certainly something I aspire to. Love the idea of a Director of Education coming out to classes to observe what is happening at the chalk face and would welcome an out of authority visit.
I’m also currently in year three of the CT course and hope that this site will help to progress my thinking and research. Keep up the good work.
Phil
Hi Don,
Just wanted to say…Great to see a council actually wanting to push the way forward for the use of ICT and blogging, felt like an odd one out in previous council and having debate after debate in the staffroom about blogging became a drain! Glad I was appointed in East Lothian who see the importance of it!
John (Drama)
Tis Don Tis Good
G’day Don from your mate Mark.
Imagine my surprise when I was sitting in an international conference in Sydney last week listening to this speaker talk about the use of ICT in education/leadership and your name was quoted several times. I have a photo taken with your friend and colleague John Connell which I will send via email. Anyway one of the challenges that was put out at the convention was to join the digital world and create your own blog. Your blog has inspired me to take up that challenge and once set up I will send you a link.
Many fond memories of the Harvard Experience. Please say hello to the girls.
Mark
Great to hear from you..
I’m meeting up with the girls on the 5th November so will pass on your best wishes.
You might - or might not remember this place! http://www.flickr.com/photos/15056027@N00/823081938/
When are you coming over to Scotland? - we would be delighted to host you and your family.
I’ll never forget your words of wisdom “Me ——dull?”
Take care
Don
Hello Don,
It’s been a very long time since we were in touch! well who would have thought you would have got so far from THE flat above the haidressers!
Bruce
Great to hear from you. Memories of the flat are still very vivid! It would be good to meet up some time.
All the best
Don
Don,
Afraid that I am on missionary work in England and very rarely get back home, although my folks are still in Dunf.managed to see WME when I came up at half term. heard from Ian? Saw Pete had been in touch- a true legend!Any one heard of the biggest legend “Sammy”?
Have a good festive time,
Bruce
Don
At last looking at your blog as advised.
I think I am getting the idea of a refelective learning community
Is there a gender bias ?
Are most bloggers and readers of blogs male??????
Anne
i left sspe in 79, and our paths huvnae xed since then. but…i still ski and last year whilst teaching 4 BHS on an alpe d’huez trip i met wee laura (newly promoted to a SMT job sumwhere in the borders) and she said you were big and famous these days. weel dun to you.
i’m still involved in reffing rugger under bob easton in caledonia and live in newtonmore. i am a committed golfaholic, cannae pit it down.
good blog site!!!
keep smiling, dinnae work too hard
cheersthenoo
laurie skuodas
Skooby
Never to be forgotten! Don’t know if I’m famous but I’m certainly bigger!
I’m meeting Broon in January and will pass on our news.
Once a drillie - aye a drillie!!
Take Care
Don