How can you tell if you’ve got a great leader in charge of things at your kid’s school? Some principals just show up every day, not inspiring anyone nor creating anything special, but, by and large, they do their jobs. Still others fail miserably, and then, very abruptly, they are gone. Every great once in a while, there are the other ones: a rare breed of folks that inspire the best from all of those around them, whether students, parents or staff. Which kind is running things over at your kid's school?
A great principal is able to lead without using an iron fist, they inspire others to follow their lead without the use of punishment or force, yet they’re certainly not pushovers. While, the authoritarian leader may see some early success, they will soon encounter a backlash and subtle level of animosity that will eventually decay any modicum of success they forced out of their troops. Of course, a leader, who cannot command respect, or inspire people to believe in their values, goals and beliefs, will fail almost immediately.
In the end, a great leader, and one we’d all want to be in charge of our kid's school, knows that it’s a matter of putting what they preach into, not merely, practice, but interweaving it with an honest, structured and consistently applied approach. That approach needs to guide them in everything they say and do. Very clearly, it needs to become imbued within their core values and has to shine through their day-to-day activities and interactions. Whether, it is a matter of daily function, a larger long-term program, or in their interpersonal relationships and dealings, the great principal needs to live, model and inspire hard-work, friendship, loyalty, cooperation and enthusiasm (See Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success).
A great principal is able to lead without using an iron fist, they inspire others to follow their lead without the use of punishment or force, yet they’re certainly not pushovers. While, the authoritarian leader may see some early success, they will soon encounter a backlash and subtle level of animosity that will eventually decay any modicum of success they forced out of their troops. Of course, a leader, who cannot command respect, or inspire people to believe in their values, goals and beliefs, will fail almost immediately.
To the contrary, is the Principal whose goal is to educate, motivate and ensure that students’ are successful, while at the same time, ensuring that they and their staff are doing their very best to model hard work, enthusiasm and cooperation. They expect that everyone on their staff takes pride in, not only, the school, but in their own unique abilities and undying efforts to inspire every student to maximize their individual potential. They realize that even as the goal is lofty, it is simple, and accomplished with hard work, camaraderie built around mutual respect, and an undying loyalty to their mission to serve kids and each other. Anyone should be able to walk into their school and feel welcomed, yet energized by that uncanny feeling that stuff is happening….good stuff like learning, engagement, involvement and a true sense of community. How, or more importantly, what do you feel when you walk into your kid's school?
Of course, much of what I am saying can be criticized as just one man's opinion, but, to the contrary, most of it is supported by a great deal of research. Several studies suggest a few things you should expect from a leader, who has it "going on." Beyond doubt, those things have nothing to do with standardized test scores, and everything to do with learning. Your principal should:
1. Create a challenging environment that questions, tests and reevaluates the status quo.
2. Model their values, expectations and beliefs, and then, be the one taking the reins when things get tough.
3. Inspire collegiality and a sense of cooperation and common purpose for the path the school is to take (a.k.a. shared vision for those who like educational cliches).
4. Acknowledge and reward the efforts of their staff and student body.
5. Allow all staff members to do their thing within the structure of the school's mission, and create the freedom for teachers to teach and students to learn in the style that is best suited to their abilities.
6. Inspire an atmosphere where everyone is concerned “for what’s right, rather than who's right.”
In the end, a great leader, and one we’d all want to be in charge of our kid's school, knows that it’s a matter of putting what they preach into, not merely, practice, but interweaving it with an honest, structured and consistently applied approach. That approach needs to guide them in everything they say and do. Very clearly, it needs to become imbued within their core values and has to shine through their day-to-day activities and interactions. Whether, it is a matter of daily function, a larger long-term program, or in their interpersonal relationships and dealings, the great principal needs to live, model and inspire hard-work, friendship, loyalty, cooperation and enthusiasm (See Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success).
Ask yourself, or maybe, your kid’s principal, if they have the qualities of a great leader, or are they just getting by and cashing a paycheck until they can retire? Then again, don't simply question it, demand it of your child's school, particularly, if the Principal is unwilling, or unable to strive for greatness.
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