Recently, I spoke with a first year high school administrator regarding her experience to this point. I was not surprised to hear things like, “every experience is a new experience since it is the first time I have done it.” Or, “I am having to learn to deal with the parents in a different way.” Or, “The relationship with the students is different because when they see me, they see someone who is about to discipline them in some way.” However, the most disconcerting thing she shared was “how do I balance my educational beliefs with the need to make my Principal look good?”

We can talk about her first concerns at a later date, but the one I want to address is “making the Principal look good.” I reminded this emerging leader that the job is not to make the Principal look good, but to help the students be successful. Currently, the leadership styles between the first year administrator and the Principal are in conflict, and rather than pursuing a healthy balance between the two, she thinks she must fall into line so that she doesn’t make the Principal look bad. Leadership is not a “one-size-fits-all” proposition. Certainly the goals of the Administrative staff must be in alignment if they want to be successful, but the means by which that occurs MUST allow for diverse styles of leading. After all, the student population is diverse.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to consider how you would respond if you were in a similar position to this young administrator. Would you be willing to give up on your own leadership style (assuming you are being successful) to make your Principal look good? Perhaps, instead, you would speak with your Principal and share that while you are on-board with the overall Administrative mission, you would like the freedom to deliver it in the style that best fits your skill set? I know what I would do. Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert