School heads should ensure the smooth operation of their schools – now and in future – by developing at least one understudy.
Ask yourself : Who would be capable of taking over my job tomorrow if something happened to me ?
Rarely, if ever, do good school heads allow themselves to get caught in a situation where their people are left without a leader. They make sure a capable backup is always available – whether they’re away on a trip, out sick, or given the opportunity to move to a better job.
Nor do good school heads wait until the last minute – when it may be too late – to train a qualified backup. They pick possible successors early in the game and delegate different parts of the job to them – significant parts, not trivial ones.
Weak school heads view subordinates as threats and keep everything close to the rest. Strong ones do just the opposite – they familiarize key people with their duties and give them a feeling for what its like to do their job.
People who are given added responsibility – and who know their subordinates have confidence in their ability to handle it – usually respond to the demands placed upon them. It encourages them to take initiative, and they develop more confidence.
Don’t begrudge the time you spend developing, coaching, and helping your people to grow. Its one of the best signs of good leadership and a healthy operation.
A good head plans for succession. An important part of the job is to train others who can take over.
Remember, the most eligible candidate for a bigger responsibility is the one who had already trained a replacement.
Ask yourself : Who would be capable of taking over my job tomorrow if something happened to me ?
Rarely, if ever, do good school heads allow themselves to get caught in a situation where their people are left without a leader. They make sure a capable backup is always available – whether they’re away on a trip, out sick, or given the opportunity to move to a better job.
Nor do good school heads wait until the last minute – when it may be too late – to train a qualified backup. They pick possible successors early in the game and delegate different parts of the job to them – significant parts, not trivial ones.
Weak school heads view subordinates as threats and keep everything close to the rest. Strong ones do just the opposite – they familiarize key people with their duties and give them a feeling for what its like to do their job.
People who are given added responsibility – and who know their subordinates have confidence in their ability to handle it – usually respond to the demands placed upon them. It encourages them to take initiative, and they develop more confidence.
Don’t begrudge the time you spend developing, coaching, and helping your people to grow. Its one of the best signs of good leadership and a healthy operation.
A good head plans for succession. An important part of the job is to train others who can take over.
Remember, the most eligible candidate for a bigger responsibility is the one who had already trained a replacement.
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