Leadership Skills

The principalship is the greatest job in education—not because it’s easy, but because it’s transformative. Principals stand at the intersection of students, teachers, and communities, shaping culture, lifting ceilings, and designing systems that outlast them. At the start of each school year, we are reminded that no other role carries such influence, responsibility, and meaning.

Principals begin each year with energy, yet by October many face burnout. Research shows it’s not heroics that sustain leaders but protective habits: rest, reflection, connection, and boundaries. When superintendents reinforce these practices, wellbeing becomes professional work—not a private struggle—and leadership capacity expands for the whole school.

Systemic and systematic changes begin at the top and work their way throughout the organization.

Listening. The most overlooked, yet most effective, leadership trait.

Continuous growth is the key to staying ready so you don't have to get ready when your people need you most.

Effective school leadership hinges on finding the right balance between compassion and accountability.

Empowering others takes courage. If we want to gain trust, we have to invite trust by demonstrating trust in those we lead.

Every act begins with neurons firing in the brain. Master your mind and master your leadership abilities.

In leadership, you have to be able to hit the curve balls. If you don't, and strike out, you need to be able to get back and keep swinging.

Vision and purpose are the engine of school leadership.

Thriving relationships translates to a thriving school.

Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, as some may believe. It is actually a sign of confidence and strength.

There is only one way to lead with truth; it is with authenticity.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital for understanding and managing your own emotions and those of others.

Take the first step toward becoming a more effective leader.

Leaders come from all walks of life with varying degrees of preparation. Regardless, nothing impacts effectiveness more than WHO you are.

Travis Drake cuts the bull and gives the obvious a pat on the head. Want to stay the course with leadership? Follow these suggestions.

With great power comes great responsibility. School leaders, what will you do with your power of influence?

The most important decision a leader makes is who they hire. When hiring practices need reform, what do you do? Julie McGahan tells us how.

Anthony Muhammad is revered as an education leader. Leverage his wisdom to ignite change, for the better, in your school or district.