I came into the administrative role with high expectations. I expected a perfect opportunity to empower staff, support students and engage the community. I tried my best to do this in four schools: once as vice principal and three times as principal. I’m glad I knew these basic principles before coming into the role:

  1. Status quo is a powerful force.
  2. People do what’s best for them.
  3. Collaboration works better than clobberation.

As a newcomer to the school, I knew it was better and smarter at first to watch and listen before starting to make changes based on initial observations and assumptions. Sometimes a practice that looks ineffective is in place for a very good reason. Sometimes, though, a resistance to change is none other than a reluctance to take initiative, learn new skills and put in the work.

Different leaders have different styles that reflect the way they interact with others. I am collaborative. Before I make a decision of consequence, I instinctively reach out strategically to others and draw upon their knowledge and experience. It was natural, therefore, to do this as an administrator.

My leadership motto is “collaboration is multiplication”. Consulting and brainstorming with those impacted leads to wiser, more fulsome decisions, more collective support and the kind of change powerful enough to break through the status quo for the ultimate good of the learners.