Doug Knott EdD

“Are my students better because I lead them? When I asked this question at a recent leadership workshop, there was a long silence before a principal stood up to answer, “My students are achieving at high levels, but it's not because of me—it's thanks to my dedicated staff, who are energetic, enthusiastic, and collaborative and they love their work. They are a family.” I listened to his words closely then responded, “ I appreciate everything you just said, but allow me to give you another perspective, Imagine if we took your staff and airlifted them to another school, but in this case with a leader who doesn't stress camaraderie, or who makes coming to work an uncomfortable chore for staff. Do you think they would exhibit anywhere near the same levels of energy, enthusiasm, and collaboration?” These characteristics are in large part a function of your leadership. Is there a direct correlation between your leadership of the school and student outcomes? Can you confidently say that your leadership is a catalyst for staff contentment and student progress? When all is said and done, you must be able to embrace the fact that whether your students succeed or fail is deeply rooted in your own leadership. Excerpt From Is My School Better BECAUSE I Lead It? Baruti K. Kafele @PrincipalKafele #BecauseILeadIt #LeadershipMatters #leadership