Thursday, December 8, 2011

Good Principals Can Manage and Lead at the Same Time

Many principals distinguish between leading and managing.  In "Principals as Leader-Managers" administrators looked for ways they can do both at the same time.  One example had a principal congratulating students on their work on their way out the door.  Usually thought of as a management issue with the objective of keeping the students safe, a principal can also lead, inspire and motivate students and staff at the same time.

Managing time is obviously a necessity for successful administrators.  Making sure teachers utilize the first five minutes of class can be both a management and leadership role.  Changing the culture of the school by requesting positive office referrals could improve student behavior and help with management issues.

One of the most easily identified managerial tasks of a principal is facilitating staff meetings.  By eliminating the announcements that can be given in the form of an e-mail administrators can use this time to develop staff.  The management aspect (announcements) still gets done, yet the opportunity to lead is created.

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