Leading Learning Communities with Creative Practice

Leaders in all fields including education benefit through the application of creative strategies while simultaneously building strong learning communities. In a global society, virtual learning teams are essential for connecting human capital at all levels. A variety of learning community models supported by creative leadership is necessary to meet diverse demands to today’s society. Key literature relating to the models of creative leadership, transformative leadership, and communities of practice is synthesized; practical models are then shared to provide real world applications and narratives of reflective practice and creative expression. Reflective narratives focus on leadership theories that support personal growth, caring, interpersonal communication, problem solving and creativity, (Bass, 2008; Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Goethals, Sorenson, & MacGregor Burns, 2004; & Noddings, 1992). Communities of practice (CoPs) are a type of learning community made up of “groups of people informally bound together by shared expertise and passion for a joint enterprise” (Wenger & Snyder, 2000, p. 139). The authors describe how creative leaders can use CoPs as a mechanism to share and build knowledge, solve problems, and foster professional growth and development.