I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend an Erasmus+ course in Florence, Italy, from March 18th to March 23rd this year. The course was titled "Leadership and School Management for School Principals." The reason I chose this course was because Uciliste Magistra is preparing for an external evaluation conducted by the Agency for Vocational and Adult Education (ASOO). 

Through our self-evaluation process, we identified two challenges: the first challenge lies in the management and quality assurance of Uciliste Magistra, and the second challenge involves the improvement of our teaching staff's competencies. This course I chose aimed to address the first challenge.

The course began with fantastic icebreaker activities that helped us get to know each other and set a positive tone for the week. We started with presentations about our respective institutions, which allowed us to share our unique experiences and learn from each other. One of the initial highlights was discussing the fundamental differences between leadership and management, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the course.

Throughout the course, we explored different types of leaders and delved deeply into leadership styles and situational leadership. This was an eye-opener, as it provided us with a better understanding of our leadership qualities and how to adapt our styles to various situations.

In the second part of the course, we focused on time management and effective strategies for managing our time. We also covered the importance of empathy and tolerance in leadership, and the delicate balance of saying "no" and delegating tasks within a team. A significant portion of our discussions centered around motivation – understanding what drives us personally and how to inspire others. We also learned about understanding others and promoting a culture of tolerance and forgiveness of mistakes made. Additionally, in the end of the course, we discussed various personality styles, delved into emotional intelligence, and explored the potential of our soft skills. An important part of the course included active listening, conflict management, and the ability to ask the right questions as mentors and coaches.

The group of participants was excellent, and I met many wonderful people. I hope to maintain contact with them in the future and potentially collaborate on new projects. This Erasmus+ course was an enriching experience that not only enhanced my professional skills but also offered me valuable insights into effective school management and leadership. The knowledge and skills I gained will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my career and the way I lead my team. During this course, I also became aware of my leadership strengths while also recognizing potential areas for growth and realistic solution strategies.