From Boss to Leader

One consequence of the Standards Driven System (FCAT) is that principals are being asked to become the instructional leader of their schools. Effective principals recognize they are more than just the boss; they are the leader of the school. Being the boss has short-lived and limited impact. Effective leaders have a long-term impact on the lives of everyone around them.

The American Management Association conducted in-depth interviews with 41 executives and uncovered seven common traits that most often lead leaders to failure:
1. Insensitivity to co-workers.
2. Aloofness and arrogance.
3. Tendency to misuse information conveyed in confidence.
4. Inability to control ambition.
5. Inability to delegate assignments or promote teamwork.
6. Inability to staff effectively.
7. Inability to think strategically.

So how can principals who lead, maintain the difficult balance of managing the affairs of the school while maintaining the loyalty of their staff? What truly sets apart the mediocre, overbearing boss from a highly respected and effective leader?

The answer is a leader is someone others consistently follow. It stands to reason that people follow because they have a belief in the direction, integrity, and competence of the person in the lead.

Here are five checkpoints to help today's leaders avoid becoming yesterday's news:
1. Sometimes leadership is merely letting people do their jobs. 


2. 

Leaders must constantly show that they care. 


3. 

A good leader keeps the entire team tuned to the fundamentals of success. 


4. 

Leadership is getting your employees to compromise for the good of all. 


5. Leaders must learn to sacrifice for others. 



Source: adapted from http://www.garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/articles/boss-or-leader.html