Educational Leadership and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

In the annals of leadership history, one of the standouts will undoubtedly be Steve Jobs, CEO and Co-Founder of Apple Computers, and now a force to be reckoned with at Disney, Inc.. His influence has been felt not only in the computer industry, but the entertainment industry has become the recipient of his need to affect technology forever.

There are numerous descriptors for Jobs which give insight into his philosophy of leadership. One of the key features of his leadership is his entrepreneurial spirit. In this spirit is his need to fully understand, and engage in, all aspects of his creations. He has grown most of his endeavors from seedlings. Apple Computers, NEXT, and to some degree even Pixar, have been built from nothing, with most becoming successful ventures. In a BusinessWeek interview in 2004, Jobs shared, "I did everything coming up - shipping, sales, supply chain, sweeping the floors, buying chips, you name it. I put computers together with my own two hands. As the industry grew up, I kept on doing it." In spite of the numerous projects or activities that tug at his time, and the numerous distractions that could interfere with his ability to meet his primary goals, he refuses to be removed from each component of the work. Educational leaders must develop the same entrepreneurial spirit. They must understand each component of the work at a deep level. It means applying this understanding in creating and developing an educational institution that addresses the needs of all students, staff, and school community. It also means not allowing themselves to get distracted.

Understanding What a Masters in Educational Leadership Entails

The intent of this type of advanced degree is to give educational leaders the tools they need to create positive change. This allows a school leader to create an opportunity for students to actually learn, which supporting the process entirely. This kind of degree also helps inspire professionals by developing their skills for more of an empowered leadership.

Servicing the community is a major factor for getting such a degree. In fact, a degree in educational leadership depends on the basis that this individual wants to work toward the development and success of each student under their supervision. The goal is to give students equal access to learning methods, facilities and materials.

There are a number of basic principles that guide this kind of degree. Namely, the obligation of school leaders to serve their student population equally. The tools received with this degree also focus on the power of student-based leadership and how this can encourage a student all the way to success.

School administrators learn how to become instructional and curriculum leaders. The focus is place on the curriculum along with a student's ability to succeed. This program gives administrators the knowledge they need to encourage vital critical thinking skills.