The Success Of A Successful School - 1177 Words

Great principals prepare themselves for the moments when leadership opportunities open to them. The true principal leader is prepared; he does not rely on chance or luck (although sometimes it pays to be lucky). Great principals build their foundation for success around people. People are the foundation to the success of any organization, and the great principal understands that to build a successful school, he must hire and build the school around quality people. Once many years ago when I was a high school principal, I was attending an education conference in New Orleans with a colleague. After listening to about the fourth consecutive speaker present on how to improve teacher quality in the classroom, I made an off-the-cuff†¦show more content†¦Hiring the right people for the right job from the top down is essential to the success of any organization/school. Finally, great principals have certain things they believe or do that are the cornerstones of their success. T hese cornerstones embrace the actions required to ensure the success of the school. They are the lens through which the strategic objectives or plans of the school are continuously reviewed, studied, and acted upon. They are the action plans for success. (Part III of this book is devoted to discussion of these cornerstones to success.) The cornerstones are non-negotiable pillars of the principal’s and school’s commitment to success. As I have said, there is nothing sacred about leadership. The great leader understands this and although he is constantly reading and seeking new insight into the process, he understands there is not an exact blueprint on how to be a great leader. He also understands there are very few born leaders and even fewer people who through the proper alignment of the planets and stars are destined to lead. The great principal knows leading is hard work, and that learning about it is a never ending quest into a very delicate and intricate pro cess. There is nothing magic or sleight of hand about leadership. Great leadership is the result of careful planning, study, and strategically laying a foundation for success.