According to Edwin Friedman’s book A Failure of Nerve, leadership’s real problem is a failure of nerve. Leaders fail not because they lack information, skill, or technique but because they lack the nerve and presence to stand firm amid other people’s emotional anxiety and reactivity. The critical variable in leadership is a leader’s presence. Rather than focusing on technique or know-how, we must focus on the leader’s presence and being.
Effective school leaders apply their educational expertise and management skills to focus their efforts and teaching staff’s efforts to improve student learning outcomes. Part of this involves keeping up-to-date on the latest teaching technologies and trends. It also requires excellent interpersonal skills - as leaders work with students, staff, parents, and external communities to gain constant feedback and find opportunities to innovate. School leaders need to have a solid grasp of operational best practices and an aptitude for enabling continuous development.
Good leadership in schools helps foster a positive and motivating culture for staff and a high-quality experience for learners. Leaders at all levels in schools can
contribute to this by developing the top skills needed by school leaders.
References
Camp, J. (2010, November 10). Friedman's Theory of Differentiated Leadership Made Simple. YouTube. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgdcljNV-Ew
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