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…

Although years of research have not identified what guarantees a successful superintendent, the best indicators are skills dealing with others and knowing how to select good personnel. (MLF)

While exploring educational leadership concepts, a group of superintendents on retreat found "grace" considerably harder to define than "vision" or "legacy." Inspired by a superintendent's courageous response to imminent dismissal and another's handling of clinical depression, the group first conjured up graceless…

The former Girl Scouts CEO discusses her hierarchy-flattening circular management concept. Traditionally, organizations have been bureaucracies dominated by a command-and-control orientation. As Drucker advises, nonprofit organizations, like corporations, must reexamine their mission's workability, consider who is the customer, and underscore what…

Successful superintendents recognize that taking charge is not a one-time event, but a two- or three-year process. Inspired by John J. Gabarro's May 1985 "Harvard Business Review" article, this article identifies five passages (taking hold, immersion, reshaping, consolidation, and refinement) that new superintendents must navigate…

Whether speaking of health clinics, budget shortfalls, or discipline issues, Wicomico County (Maryland) School Superintendent Evelyn Holman invariably encases discussions in her own set of priorities. Building student self-esteem through mental health clinics is laudable, but preparing students for college and future employment is foremost.…

Presents key 1988-89 school statistics and highlights major educational trends (like the school choice controversy). Topics include leadership profiles; U.S. students' poor showing on international math and science assessments; school facilities construction problems and issues; standard measures such as test scores and dropout rates; and state…

All new superintendents are in jeopardy, but their greatest vulnerability is ignorance of district history. Superintendents should trust no one for several months and be especially wary of disgruntled board members, sore losers, gossips, and sieves. New superintendents can build trust by being trustworthy, immediately firing or reassigning…

Dade County (Florida) Public School Superintendent Octavio Visiedo demonstrated his four-star leadership capabilities in the wake of Hurricane Andrew's devastation. For weeks, Visiedo tirelessly directed military personnel and school workers in massive clean-up and repair efforts. When all but 10 of the district's 287 schools opened in…

Under school-based management, principals are there to help staff members make the best possible decisions. The principal's job involves six discernable roles: (1) facilitator; (2) trainer; (3) expert adviser; (4) resource coordinator; (5) communicator; and (6) advocate. (MLF)

On a systemwide level, spin control means defining the issues and formulating an agenda for addressing them. On a personal level, school executives should develop a communications style that stresses honesty, updated information for everyone, wise choice of issues, appropriate responses to criticism, openness to expert advice, willingness to share…

Profiles of 100 top executive educators selected for their excellence in administering their schools by an independent panel of jurors. (MLF)

A survey of 90 superintendents participating in the Ohio Institute for Effective Leadership valued effective oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills most highly. Leadership success also depends on being visible and accessible, having a sense of humor, being caring and compassionate, keeping a sense of balance,…

When Jack Helfrich arrived as superintendent of the Ken-Ton Schools a decade ago, the western New York district was reeling from an enrollment plunge that halved the number of students, cut 600 teaching jobs, and closed 12 of 28 schools. Under Helfrich's leadership, schools assume responsibility for setting goals and making decisions related to…

Despite his legendary exploits, Odysseus' approach to leadership would render today's educational leaders ineffectual. Successful school administrators nurture their team's good ideas, monitor the environment, stay flexible and alert, study history, and remain responsible. Advocates of site-based management must also beware competing priorities,…