Visibility is an extremely important characteristic of a strong school leader and one of the most difficult to accomplish, according to principal Steven Podd. But I solve more problems and head off many others by being in the cafeteria, hallways, and classrooms. The second most-frequently listed trait, and fourth in overall average, was that school leaders need to be trustworthy and straight with students and staff. A principal needs to be utterly reliable. Being trustworthy sets the standard for others to follow.
Right relationships follow from the appropriate right start.
It is clear from the survey results that a strong school leader must actively work to develop leadership skills in other people on the school staff. And sometimes we are isolated, but at times it is of our own making. Either through insecurity or fear, we think we must be the Big Principal. If we rely on others to carry the message, then they must be part of the decision-making process. Once they own part of the decision-making process, then they shoulder some of the responsibility.