Q

I've just read Stephen J. Covey's Seven Habits of Successful People. Now I'grand wondering – what practice you think are principal best practices?

A

I call up there are probably Fashion more 7 habits, and every principal has his or her own list. But from my experience hither are 7 master best practices I have adopted:

1. Exist visible.

Attainable principals start their day before the faculty arrives, so they tin can be available for early morning consults. Principals are in the halls when students enter.

ii. Focus on teaching and learning, non exam scores.

Successful principals go out of their office and visit classrooms for a function of every day.

3. Be the leader, non the chief problem solver.

If a teacher comes to yous with a problem, listen and so ask the teacher what she thinks should be done. Piece of work with your staff to observe solutions.

4. Communicate clearly and effectively.

Successful principals permit faculty know what's going on. This means they render phone calls, texts and emails as soon as possible. They make sure all written communication, whether emailed or on newspaper, is grammatically right. In addition, they never include emoticons in professional e-correspondence.

5. Back up extra-curricular activities.

Always make an appearance at the school play, the band concert, awards ceremonies, sports and annihilation else where kids and faculty bear witness up. You don't have to MC everything; simply exist there.

vi. Support your teachers.

But make certain anybody knows he or she is accountable for competent classroom functioning and off-white treatment of children. Respect your staff and do not play favorites.

vii. Continue your sense of humour and don't be afraid to employ it.

But proceed a lid on acrimony and badgerer and never release the flying monkeys even when severely tempted.

One other habit that successful principals practice is to regularly ask for input and opinion from faculty and staff.  Or equally Covey says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood."