Strategies for New Principals to Succeed

Studies consistently indicate that effective schools are guided by strong principal leadership. Having served as a school principal before, I understand the fulfilling yet challenging nature of the role. In my current position as superintendent for the past ten years, I have identified crucial actions that successful principals employ to enhance educational outcomes for all students.

Throughout my career, I have collaborated with numerous principals who often enter the role with common concerns: “How do I navigate the school budget? What programs should I implement to enhance academic performance? Will I make sound decisions regarding student discipline?” While these queries are significant, they may not be the primary focus during the initial weeks and months as a principal. Here are the essential insights new administrators should prioritize to thrive in their new responsibilities.

Strategies for Building Relationships and Communication

Foster community connections. A key task is to acquaint yourself with each member of your staff, whether certified or noncertified. “How many children do they have? What are their hobbies? What aspects of their job bring them joy?” Dedicate your entire first year to this endeavor.

During the initial months of your tenure, make an effort to familiarize yourself with your students and their families. Strive to learn as many student names as possible. Be present in areas where families drop off their children and participate in after-school events. These connections will be invaluable in the years ahead.

My top recommendation for new administrators is to schedule individual meetings with all staff members in the early weeks of assuming the role. Pose these three questions: “What is going well? What needs enhancement? How can I support your daily work?” This process will reveal trends for reinforcement, areas requiring attention, and improvement planning. Principals who have faced challenges in their new role often attempt to introduce new programs or initiatives without establishing staff trust. It takes time to cultivate this trust—so invest in it.

Practice attentive listening. The initial weeks should center on listening attentively and observing. Remember that all staff members prioritize the school’s best interests. Our schools are staffed with dedicated teachers possessing a wealth of expertise. Principals who enter a new position seeking immediate program implementations or schedule changes communicate a top-down approach. Effective principals truly collaborate with the school community, fostering shared decision-making.

Maintain consistent communication. I advise every new principal to establish a weekly email correspondence with their staff. The communication should be regular (weekly without fail), providing updates on the upcoming week, such as staff meeting schedules or your absence from the premises.

Transparent communication about daily operations is vital for a principal’s success. While daily routines may seem self-explanatory, clarity on routine procedures—like morning supervision responsibilities, parent drop-off/pick-up protocols, and hallway pass systems—is crucial. Unclear expectations or inconsistent routines lead to staff frustration. Remember to communicate procedures throughout the year, not just at the beginning. Effective communication on operations demonstrates your competency in managing the school’s organization and resources utilization.

Execute supervisory duties effectively. The best principals strike a balance between fostering a positive school culture, nurturing relationships, and maintaining high levels of accountability. If we expect students to excel, staff members must also set high expectations for themselves. Aspiring administrators often question how to address performance issues or policy violations with staff. Some new principals fear that holding staff accountable may harm morale. However, maintaining consistent standards for all staff enhances credibility. Principals who uphold uniform standards promote staff morale.

Initiate these conversations by addressing specific concerns, such as attendance at Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings. Emphasize the importance of their presence and offer support as needed. Ensuring staff members know your expectations is crucial for fostering a cohesive school community.

Encourage questions and seek assistance. Effective administrators acknowledge that they do not possess all the answers. When uncertain, admit it and commit to finding a solution. Utilize the expertise of your superintendent or district-level administrators, who have experienced many of the challenges you face daily. Do not hesitate to seek support. District administrators are there to assist school leaders.

Cultivate relationships with experienced principals whom you can consult for problem-solving. These connections, whether within your district or neighboring ones, will prove invaluable in your career.

The principal’s role is multifaceted, significantly impacting student success, staff morale, and overall school culture. While demanding, it is also immensely rewarding. The relationships forged and the influence on student outcomes endure for a lifetime. Serving as a school principal remains one of the most gratifying roles I have undertaken!