Professionalism and leadership

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of a range of conceptualisations of professionalism and leadership that point to a shift in discourse that has taken hold in scholarly discussions as well as in practice. More recently, local researchers have developed new lines of argument about professionalism and professional practice. We like Raelin’s view of effective leadership as concurrent, collective, compassionate and collaborative, as this description accords with conceptualisations of leadership we encounter among our students and among practising educators in professional learning sessions. The chapter elaborates on elements of professionalism and leadership, with illustrative statements by educators taken from different research projects led by the authors. Leadership, too, requires attention to others, for whom the professional educator allows time and space for listening, communicating and mutual enjoyment. The personal interest taken helps build trust and confidence, and encourages participation in leadership practice.