Six Lessons I’ve Learned About Being an Effective Principal

School leadership can be messy.

School leadership can be a sincere joy.

School leadership can be difficult.

School leadership can be the most fun you’ve ever had.

In the everyday intricacies of school leadership, your success, and thus the success of your staff and students, hinges on mastering a nuanced set of everyday principles. (See what I did there!)

At the forefront is the concept of teamwork, an indispensable force that propels a principal towards excellence. I strongly believe that my background in athletics (being a Head Football Coach, and an Athletic Director) have helped me have “success” more than any administrative class or credential that I have earned. There is nothing that prepares you for leadership like being in the trenches of leading a football program through a game week and out to the Friday night lights. Every week is a challenge, a new opportunity to beat an opponent. The same thing is true for Principals and educators. We are constantly having to overcome something that is barring our kids from having and or finding success. To bring about change successfully, a principal must cultivate buy-in from a myriad of stakeholders, ensuring a collective commitment to the envisioned transformation, exactly like a Head Coach.

Welcoming back staff after they had been off site for so long due to Covid.

Leadership, at its core, is about inspiring and guiding a team. Successful principals embody strength and decisiveness while maintaining a compassionate and understanding approach to the diverse needs of their staff. This delicate balance creates an environment where individuals feel motivated and supported, fostering a positive work culture.

Teamwork, as the linchpin of success, underscores the power of collective effort. Successful principals recognize the importance of collaboration and actively seek buy-in from various stakeholders. Whether it involves curriculum changes, teaching methodologies, or administrative procedures, the ability to rally support ensures a smoother implementation process. This collaborative approach not only garners diverse perspectives but also instills a sense of ownership among those involved.

Offsite team building can go a long way with your staff!

Daily decision-making becomes a hallmark of a principal’s routine, a relentless series of choices that shape the educational landscape of their campus. Ranging from major program implementations like adding a brand new course to your offerings to addressing minor employee concerns like scheduling doctor’s appointments, the decision-making process demands both effectiveness and efficiency because decision-making is non stop. Sure, people stop by the office to “just catch up” or “just shoot the bull” but 99.5% of the time, they drop by for a decision that you must make.

Decision-making, a daily exercise for principals, is a multifaceted process. From major initiatives that shape the trajectory of the school to minor decisions that impact the daily lives of staff, each choice contributes to the overall narrative of leadership. The ability to navigate this decision-making landscape with acumen and efficiency is a hallmark of successful principals.

Everyone on campus looks to the Principal for decisions, 100s of times per week.

Effective communication emerges as another cornerstone of successful leadership. The preference for real-time interactions stands in stark contrast to the limitations of email. I always prefer face to face communication when possible. Many times, I’ve received an email from a staff member, and instead of returning it, I’ll print it out, or I’ll make a note on a 3×5 card, or a sticky, and put that in my “to do tray.” I have found that staff appreciate timely communication, and although going face to face might delay this, it usually helps to clear up anything, and then allow even quicker clarification, etc. This emphasis on direct communication facilitates a deeper understanding of concerns and promotes a more cohesive school culture.

Calendar management emerges as a strategic imperative in the principal’s arsenal. I have learned very quickly that the old adage “Control your calendar or it will control you,” is absolutely true, and most definitely underscores the need for proactive scheduling. When I became a Principal, and reached out for advice from mentors, I found that successful principals meticulously plan every staff meeting, Coffee with the Principal session, WASC meeting, content team gathering, department chair meeting, special education meetings, personnel meetings, etc. etc. etc. This organizational prowess ensures that time becomes a valuable asset rather than a limiting factor.

The value of time is not lost on successful leaders. By making a concerted effort to respect and appreciate the time of their staff, principals lay the foundation for reciprocal commitment. This investment in time management pays off exponentially, as a dedicated and motivated staff becomes an asset in achieving broader educational goals. I have been known to cancel staff meetings throughout the year because there just wasn’t enough new information to meet face to face with the staff. I want them to respect and appreciate our time together, not make it mundane, not make it useless. This goes a LONG way with your staff.

Remember to calendar in the fun stuff too: the kids!!

Trust is a currency that successful principals invest in liberally. My number one philosophy of hiring is: hire the best people that you can, and then allow them to do their job! It is very simple. This builds trust in your team. Micromanagement erodes trust, and makes people not enjoy their job. By entrusting responsibilities to their staff and demonstrating unwavering support, leaders cultivate an atmosphere of confidence, not micromanagement. This trust becomes the bedrock upon which heightened performance and professional growth thrive.

Transparency and humility emerge as guiding principles for effective leadership. Admitting when one does not have all the answers fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect. Staff appreciates humility. Successful principals acknowledge their limitations and, in doing so, inspire confidence in their teams. One of my favorite lines is “I do not know that answer, but I’ll get back to you within 24 hours with an answer for you. Does that work?” Staff appreciates that type of transparency, they would rather have an honest dialogue like this than being told one thing, and then having to change because the answer was not right. Successful principals, by embracing transparency and humility, create a culture where individuals feel empowered to contribute ideas and solutions without fear of judgment.

In conclusion, these six principles form an interconnected framework that elevates a principal from a mere administrator to a transformative leader. By embracing the power of teamwork, effective decision-making, effective communication, calendar management, trust, transparency/humility, successful principals cultivate an environment where educational excellence thrives. This can serve as a roadmap for aspiring and current school leaders, providing insights into the intricate dynamics that contribute to success in the ever-evolving landscape of education.

Chris Fore has his Masters degree in Athletic Administration, is a Certified Athletic Administrator and currently works as a Principal in Southern California (yes, he went to the “dark side” after 17 years of coaching!) He served as the President of the California Coaches Association for 3 years. Fore is the CEO of Eight Laces Consulting which specializes in helping coaches nationwide in their job search process. Fore has been named to the Hudl Top 100 Coaches, and the Top 5 Best High School Football Coaches to follow on Twitter by MaxPreps. Follow him!