Instructional leadership
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jueves, 17 de marzo de 2011
miércoles, 9 de marzo de 2011
The Power of Paradigm
The following is a reaction to an assigned reading of Stephen R. Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Part 1.
According to Merrian-Webster Dictionary cartography is “the science or art of making maps”. A cartographer would then, have to be a highly- skilled professional aware of the big responsibility he has. Making maps that guide explorers, tourists and people in general represents a very important job. Conflicts between countries may begin if such a professional takes that job in a lighthearted way. Even if a map expert uses very advanced devices to try to decipher a piece of land in a perfect way, can he describe the smells you will find when you walk there? Can he picture accurately the sounds of the rivers flowing in the territory he is striving to depict? Can he show the colors, textures and curves of the terrain? I don´t think so, not until he’s been there, walked the winding roads and seen the colors of the sunset from where natives see them. We are all natives of a very important piece of land: our lives. Only we are able to recall the sounds, smells and sights that shape our perspective of reality. This is what we as human beings share: uniqueness. The territory may be the same for two people but I may have a different view from the window of my home. Why then, do we insist on forcing our realities into other people’s lives? Why can’t we understand that we are all the same but very different? The map is not the territory, the article states. The map is a mere representation by a cartographer trying to do his best. However, that map expert can only show a point of view of the territory until he changes perspective. Principles such as integrity, service, patience, honesty, human dignity, quality, and growth can help us change our vision, our perspective on life. Self-reflection will help us challenge our personal paradigms and prepare for change. There is always room for growth and change no matter how old you are. What have I learned recently? Diversity enriches our lives in great ways. It’s time to turn ideas into facts, so go out there, enjoy the view, try a new flavor once in a while. Be yourself and let others do so. Question all your paradigms, not the people who engraved them on you. Challenge those paradigms, assess them, study them, appreciated them and then move on. It’s time to act!
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