Transformational Principal Leadership
A program designed to develop personal leadership skills in school principals, focusing on inspiring, supporting, and galvanizing schools for continuous improvement. It emphasizes belief-based, goal-driven leadership, equity, relationship building, resilience, and adaptability. This program incorporates 'tiny habits' methodology, focusing on starting small and building gradually.
Program Modules
Belief-Based and Goal-Driven Leadership
Develop an unwavering belief in the ability of all children to achieve high levels. Inspire with a concrete pathway to realize the school's vision, set ambitious but achievable goals, and maintain a sense that working together, goals will be reached. This module connects directly to the program's objective of developing belief-based leadership by focusing on how principals can internalize and project belief in student success, ultimately driving school improvement.
Define Your Core Beliefs (Tiny Habit: Write one sentence)
DailyReflect on and articulate your core beliefs about student potential and the role of educators in fostering success. **Implementation Intention:** After my morning coffee, I will write down one sentence that encapsulates my core belief about student potential, to reinforce its daily influence. We will start with a 'tiny habit' of writing just one sentence. This small step builds the habit of regular reflection and sets the stage for more in-depth analysis.
“Belief-based and goal-driven Leadership requires an unwavering belief in the ability of all children to achieve it high levels.”
Communicate Vision and Goals (Tiny Habit: Share one success story)
DailyClearly and consistently communicate the school's vision and goals to staff, students, families, and the community. **Implementation Intention:** Before the first class of the day, I will share one brief student success story related to our school vision with my team to boost morale and keep goals top of mind. Start with a 'tiny habit' of sharing one quick success story.
“These leaders Inspire with a concrete Pathway to realize the school's Vision. They set ambitious but achievable goals.”
Equity and Inclusion
Create an inclusive environment that removes limits that have prevented all groups of students from being successful. Develop an understanding of individual biases and perceptions, and actively address statements and structures of bias. This module advances the program's objective of promoting equity by providing principals with tools to confront bias and foster inclusivity, leading to a more just and equitable school environment.
Bias Awareness Training
MonthlyParticipate in bias awareness training to identify and understand personal biases and their impact on decision-making. **Implementation Intention:** After the training module, I will list three specific unconscious biases I learned about to increase my self-awareness.
“That begins with every leader developing an understanding of their own individual biases and perceptions.”
Inclusive Curriculum Review (Tiny Habit: Review one lesson plan)
MonthlyReview and revise curriculum to ensure it is inclusive and reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of all students. **Implementation Intention:** After lunch on the first Monday of each month, I will review ONE lesson plan for inclusivity and representation, writing down suggestions for improvement. This starts with a 'tiny habit' approach to curriculum review.
“Understanding how do we translate this into a curriculum that's accessible to students.”
Relationship Building and Communication
Build strong and trusting relationships with all stakeholders. Develop and model strong communication skills, personalizing messages to address individual needs. Delve into principles of social influence and group dynamics to enhance leadership effectiveness in a school setting. This module contributes to the program's objective of fostering strong relationships by equipping principals with the ability to understand group dynamics and leverage principles of social influence.
Stakeholder Listening Sessions (Tiny Habit: Ask one clarifying question)
MonthlyConduct regular listening sessions with staff, students, and families to understand their perspectives and concerns. Focus on principles of active listening and non-verbal communication. **Implementation Intention:** During the next stakeholder listening session, I will ask at least ONE clarifying question, demonstrating active engagement and valuing their input. Start by focusing on one question.
“It's important that families feel heard and listened to students want to be heard and listened to staff want to be heard and listened to.”
Transparent Communication (Tiny Habit: Draft one concise update)
DailyShare updates, decisions, and challenges openly and honestly with all stakeholders. Use principles of framing to ensure messages are positively received. **Implementation Intention:** Before sending out any major school announcement this week, I will draft at least ONE concise bullet-point update, focusing on clarity and positivity. Tiny habit: one bullet point.
“One part of developing trust is being very transparent.”
Adaptability and Resilience
Demonstrate resolve in the face of adversity and challenge. Constantly look for solutions that will move the school closer to its goals and reflecting on actions and using feedback to improve. Explicitly address self-care strategies to mitigate potential burnout. This module aligns with the program's objective of improving resilience by directly incorporating self-care and reflective practices, helping principals navigate challenges without burnout.
Reflective Practice Journaling (Tiny Habit: Write one sentence about a success)
WeeklyRegularly reflect on leadership practices, challenges, and successes in a journal. **Implementation Intention:** Every Friday after my last meeting, I will write down ONE sentence about a leadership success or learning from the week. Starting super small (one sentence) to make journaling approachable.
“Resilient leaders demonstrate resolve in the face of adversity and challenge. They constantly look for solutions...these leaders also reflect on their actions.”
Seeking Feedback (Tiny Habit: Ask one 'What if?' question)
MonthlyActively solicit feedback from staff, students, and families on leadership effectiveness and areas for improvement. **Implementation Intention:** Before my next staff meeting, I will ask ONE 'What if?' question to encourage innovative solutions, showing my value of collaborative input. Tiny habit of posing one simple 'what if?'
“Consciously use feedback and criticism to improve their leadership.”
Mindfulness Practice for Stress Reduction
DailyEngage in a brief mindfulness exercise (e.g., deep breathing, meditation) daily to manage stress and enhance focus.
What You'll Accomplish
- Develop belief-based and goal-driven leadership skills.
- Promote equity and inclusion within the school environment.
- Build strong relationships and communication channels with stakeholders.
- Enhance adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.
Full program access + updates
