Managing Staff Conflict
If there is conflict between staff members it will be left to the principal to come to a solution, first of all slow it down, and meet with the combatants face to face. As I reflect on over twenty years as a principal in four schools, staff matters consumed a significant amount of time and […]
Character
An essential element of the principal’s character is the will to take the lead. I had what I thought were pretty good optics around what was required to be a principal in an independent school in Australia when I first considered the role. I had conceptions about the traits and qualities I would need. As […]
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
The Principal is the storyteller in chief As a principal, you often learn lessons the hard way, and practice is the best teacher. I learned quickly that I had to work tirelessly on effective communication and community relations. When you communicate effectively, you inspire optimism and hope in others. Part of your role is to […]
The Importance of Producing High Quality Graduates
A focus on graduating students’ results has to be maintained, coexisting with nurturing students’ happiness. At the core of my work as principal was a heartfelt dedication to student outcomes. That is the reason I became a teacher in the first place. I loved teaching. I really wanted to shape young people’s lives, inspire them […]
Self-Leadership: Your Silver Bullet
Self-leadership is your focus on your own self-improvement and professional growth. When I signed my first contract with the board of Moreton Bay College at the age of 37, I had no idea how much of my time as a principal would be devoted to my own leadership. I knew that I would devote much […]
You are the CEO
Running a school is strikingly similar to running a business When I first formed an image of myself as a school principal, I had visions of leading teaching and learning, managing curriculum development, and ensuring that the broad co-curricular programs were in place so that all students could have the best possible outcomes for their […]
Leveraging Decades of Experience: Why Schools Trust Us to Recruit Their Leaders
As the world of education rapidly evolves, schools need leaders who are not only equipped with the right qualifications but also embody the values, vision, and ethos of the institution. Finding such leaders requires more than just a cursory glance at a resume; it demands an intimate understanding of the nuanced challenges and responsibilities of […]
Best Practice Recruitment: Insights from a Veteran School Principal
Being a school principal is not just about overseeing academic curriculums or managing student discipline; it’s largely about leadership and making pivotal decisions. One of the most critical areas I’ve navigated in my years as a principal is recruiting hundreds of employees. From teachers to administrative staff, each hiring decision has the potential. Here are […]
A Roadmap to Resolution: 10 Strategies for Successfully Managing Staff Conflict
As I reflect on over twenty years as a principal in four schools, staff matters consumed a significant amount of time and effort and at times nearly caused major grief. Staff relationships, performance, managing conflict, ensuring engagement and alignment with the school’s values are some of the areas that consumed my energy. If there is […]
ACCOUNTABILITY – a ‘dirty’ word?
As a principal, or executive leader, you must have robust accountability frameworks to ensure that staff comply with your direction and that they perform to your standard, in your role as principal, acting for and on behalf of the board and the fee-paying parents. This is where courage comes into the game – do you […]
