An action learning approach to help managers enhance learning capacity involved a performance management seminar, work by action learning sets, implementation of a new performance management instrument with mentoring by action learning facilitators, and evaluation. Survey responses from 392 participants revealed satisfaction with managerial…

A random sample of 305 principals was drawn from the membership roosters of 4 Principal Centers. Responses from 100 principals (33 percent) show that there is a relationship between writing apprehension level on performance of job writing skills. Advises school administrators to take courses in current written communication practices. (six…

Examines the current trend of adventure education as a form of management and leadership training for corporate executives. Discusses the benefits of experiential education for executives and influential people. Considers potential problems related to ethics, safety, and quality control across programs. (SV)

Discusses continuing professional development for teachers in New Zealand, highlighting ultimate responsibility and individual commitment issues, benefits, mandatory versus voluntary requirements, management education program content, and several management training models (mentoring, formal courses, intensive residential courses, support groups,…

Managers have been conceptually deskilled, including social skills. Definitions of social skill are formulated by the administrative and social sciences, often in response to organizational problems. Thus, the management process is shaped by the current managerial ideologies embraced by organizational leaders. (Author/CH)

In Florida, 19 competencies that distinguish behaviors of highly and moderately performing principals now serve as a basis for selecting, certifying, and appraising school managers. This article discusses certain assumptions, describes a six-stage competency acquisition process, and outlines Florida's principal competencies. Includes six…

Surveys of 245 African-American college administrators (175 responses) and 175 African-American corporate executives (71 responses) revealed similar beliefs regarding crucial career achievement factors: communication, goal setting, high personal standards, and self-confidence. Administrators felt that formal education was more important;…

Training can be improved by providing a theoretical base for practice. Criteria for selecting useful theory include generality, relevance, consistency, completeness, testability, centrality, and usability. (SK)

Current research points to five essential categories defining principals' responsibilities: defining and communicating a mission, managing curriculum and instruction, supervising teaching, monitoring student progress, and promoting an effective instructional climate. The Illinois Administrators' Academy offers a statewide leadership development…

Advises retiring administrators to exercise a bit of dignity and common sense in their remaining months on the job. Administrators should show consideration regarding retirement plans, fight laziness, conduct training sessions for other administrators, accept others' foolish behavior gracefully, and be generous with parting insights. (MLH)

Many principals recognize the assistant principal's role as either a career commitment or a step on the administrative career ladder. A strong mentoring relationship enables the principal to facilitate the assistant principal's maturation and professional development through initiation, collaboration, inclusiveness, coaching, reciprocation,…

Because traditional leadership discourages creativity and initiative, an alternative model is needed for transforming organizational culture. Key elements are formulating an inspiring vision, determining crucial interventions, developing close friendships with managers, building a network, and seeking support. (SK)

Work force diversity programs are designed to protect the company's return on investment by bringing to the surface the subtle discomforts, fears, and biases most people experience when they find themselves working with people who are different from themselves. (Author)

Good executive development systems help enhance technical, interpersonal, and conceptual skills; use both in-house and external programs; and clearly articulate connections between components. (SK)

As recently as the 1980s, most companies did not pay much attention to executive education. In the 1990s, many see executive education as a must for revamping competitive strategies, increasing productivity, improving quality, reducing cycle time, and revitalizing corporate culture. (Author/JOW)