Based on a 40-year-old superintendent's experience in an Ohio school district, this article examines 5 prevalent myths regarding job demands and priorities, teacher morale, new program implementation, and the need to study the whole picture. Successful superintendents build on previous experience by remaining accessible, being good listeners, and…

A recent national study of senior high school principals shows that effective high school leaders often are high-flying risk takers. Risk-taking principals actively identify and solve problems--often urging groups and individuals to try new approaches rather than just talk about them. Fortunately, such principals are seldom out on the high wire…

Outlines a 15-step evaluation plan for assessing the performance of principals and assistant principals. Notes Ron Edmonds' observations that effective principals: (1) have a sense of purpose; (2) let others participate in management decisions; (3) help their staff; (4) monitor what is going on in their schools; and (5) are resourceful. (MLF)

The whole atmosphere of a workshop, not just the formal presentation, has an impact on those who attend. Offers specific planning details to make the workshop a success. (MLF)

Inspired by Niccolo Machiavelli, this column offers beleaguered school executives advice on looking good, dressing well, losing weight, beating the proper enemy, and saying nothing. Administrators who follow these simple rules should have an easier life, jealous colleagues, well-tended gardens, and respectful board members. (MLH)

Humor cannot solve every problem facing school administrators, but it can reduce the psychological gap between boss and staff, create camaraderie, increase problem-solving abilities, and help people cope. Administrators can look for humor, find a model, develop perspective, get support, revamp the office environment, start a "funny" file, swap…

"Cloutmeisters" think clear and complete thoughts years into the future about who owes them what, how those debts might best be collected, who's worth cultivating, and who can be ignored with impunity. Because clout depends on petty, manipulative, and mean-spirited behavior, administrators must exercise considerable ingenuity to practice…

A systematic rotation of principals can spark a willingness to tackle new challenges. Recommends the following strategies: (1) adopt a systematic rotation policy; (2) avoid random school assignments; (3) be prepared for a strong reaction from administrative staff; and (4) review personnel policies that might conflict with a rotation policy. (MLF)

To delegate tasks effectively, school administrators must determine what they do best and the functions they can afford to delegate; decide when to delegate; determine which employees have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to accomplish assignments well and on time; measure the quality and quantity of results; and evaluate the data obtained.…

Inspired by the survivalist strategies of James Clavell's protagonist in "King Rat," this article advises administrators how to practice creative insubordination by informally lobbying board members, winking at obstructive rules, and pursuing devious ends in their school's interest. The best administrators take chances, hiding their…

A former central office curriculum supervisor drafted to manage an elementary school enumerates some principles for other principals: put kids first; seek advice from veteran principals; practice lead management; delegate responsibility and authority; support the superintendent and school board; eschew perfect control over situations; try not to…

Outlines 15 time-saving strategies for busy school administrators, such as goal and priority setting, bunching (clustering similar activities), chunking (breaking down complex tasks into more manageable parts), pursuing brevity, setting deadlines, delegating, eliminating time wasters, preparing strategic plans, saying no, hiding out, and…

Offers school administrators tips for sharpening their public relations skills. Educators interviewed by the press should do research beforehand, answer practice questions, listen before speaking, admit ignorance, make every statement count, be circumspect, ask for a review copy, attend to follow-up, keep a clipping file, and maintain open…

Niccolo Machiavelli's buddy Louis made a big mistake in his unsuccessful takeover of a neighboring kingdom: not living there. It is better for school executives to live in community where they work than to live somewhere else. Community members have to feel school leaders share their values, traffic problems, and water. Ways to bypass these…

Effective managers learn to delegate responsibility without compromising their authority. Administrators can easily delegate work that can be done by others, operational and recurring tasks, information collection, meeting attendance, and tasks in the subordinate's job area. Administrators should not delegate performance evaluation, disciplinary…