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Deputy Minister Steve Marshall on Effective Leadership

According to Deputy Minister Steve Marshall, good leadership means moving forward on complex public policy agendas with confidence, thinking outside the box and networking.

At the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat's July 2008 symposium, entitled "Building Networks for Learning," the Deputy Minister spoke to hundreds of educators, principals and supervisory officers from across Ontario about the importance of being strong leaders.

"You have to lead with confidence and esteem," he said. "And you have to move forward on complex agendas, deepening inquiry as you increase strategic intent."

Deputy Marshall also pointed out the importance of thinking outside the box.

"You absolutely have to be prepared to think resourcefully."

He told the audience about a time when he was serving as chief executive of the Department of Education and Children's Services in South Australia, and was approached by 10 principals asking for more resources for their schools. The principals were worried about the lack of vocational options for students once they left school.

In Deputy Marshall's mind, what the principals needed more than resources were better links and networking opportunities to connect students with potential post-secondary vocational options.

He encouraged them to put together a plan to do this with existing resources, and offered support and guidance. The results were clear.

"Within six months they had worked hard with local businesses and other stakeholders, and they ensured that vocational options were expanded for their students. They acted with urgency and didn't use excuses."

The Deputy Minister reminded the audience that even as leaders, the learning process continues and it's important to keep an open mind as they focus on how to address the challenges and opportunities before them

"It's about leaving ego on the side and having focused, serious and deep discussions," he said.

However, he added, it is important to not just talk about changes, but to act on them, as the principals he worked with in Australia did.

In concluding his talk, the Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of public education in society and the value of skilled teachers.

"[Public education] makes a difference to the lives of individuals and the well-being of a family, a community and to the economy. It makes a difference to our social fabric. It truly shapes the future."

At the same time, he recognized that public education has its challenges–especially for the teachers who operate within that system. He acknowledged that teachers have to take into account the many unknowns in each student's life–experiences which take place outside the classroom but that affect the way a student learns and interacts with others.

"It is so complex, this world in which we live," Deputy Marshall said. "And yet somehow, when they arrive at school, teachers deal with these complexities, and some of it is pretty tough.

"And I salute you."

Steve Marshall became Ontario's Deputy Minister of Education on March 31, 2008. He was previously director of the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills with the Welsh Assembly Government. Prior to taking up this role, Steve was the chief executive of the Department of Education and Children's Services in South Australia for three years. In this role, Steve initiated major reforms that led to improved literacy results and student retention. Steve also has a substantial background as a senior executive in education in Australia, where he is regarded as an innovator and reformer. He has a Master of Educational Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University. Currently, he is completing a PhD at Melbourne University.