Does teamwork really make the dream work? We’ve been part of many different groups throughout all of our lives, some more successful than others, but one thing they all have in common is a leader. Leadership is a sought after skill for almost all job positions, and for a School Leader it is truly essential (it’s even part of the job title!) So, what have you done lately to work on your leadership skills? 

Whether you are in charge of a big or small faculty, encouraging and supporting your team’s talents and needs is essential. Employees who work with great leaders tend to be happier and more productive, which has a ripple effect. Remember, teachers are the backbone of our education system and the way they approach their classes every day is highly influential on what students learn and how successful a school will be. 

Let’s dive into what supportive leadership is and how your school can benefit from a thoughtful leadership style. Here are the top four tips to become a better school leader:

Check In & Set Clear Expectations

One of the most important factors of good leadership is making sure your faculty’s endeavors align with your school goals. Creating an open line of communication and checking in with your team will help you build meaningful connections. So why limit your team meetings or interactions to solving problems? Take the time to ask questions about their interests, highlight their strengths, work on their weaknesses together, and celebrate their achievements. The higher your team morale is, the greater goals you can reach together! Remember, it’s not about micromanaging, but regularly communicating with your faculty to identify problems and offer the support or guidance they might need to achieve their full potential.

Inspire & Be Open To New Ideas

Embracing change and being open to alternative ways of thinking will encourage your faculty to share their perspective when you need it the most. Keep in mind that teachers are directly in the classroom, so their insights are extremely valuable. By having the emotional intelligence to understand and accept new ideas, you will encourage responsibility, promote innovation, and help your faculty reach higher productivity levels. If your team wants new options to stay inspired, visit Schola’s Blog. Every week we share useful educational content for both schools and parents. The more you know, the more effective your ideas will be! 

school leader

Encourage Personal & Professional Growth 

“When you stop learning, you stop growing” -Kenneth H. Blanchard

Professional and personal development can help break up the monotony of everyday work and ignite your faculty’s passion for education. Offering periodic professional development opportunities can help your team gain new skills that can translate into how they approach their jobs. An interesting way to encourage professional growth for recruitment and enrollment strategies is through our Schola Webinars. A free weekly tool that teaches innovative ways to approach educational communication and work on marketing strategies for your school. Learning the ins and outs of communication trends in the education space will help expand and enrich your team’s tools and make them feel prepared to tackle new challenges. 

Lead By Example

An effective leader knows how to show others what is required, rather than simply telling them what to do. For example, if you want your team to be full of motivated and hardworking professionals, it is essential to also embody these characteristics. Be sure to take the time to work towards achieving your own personal and professional goals, because when you feel accomplished you’ll be better prepared to help and guide your team to achieve theirs. 

Be the leader you wish you had! Being a supportive leader involves trust, inspiration and commitment to your team. When we encourage teamwork and support each other, we achieve great results. But remember, good leadership takes time to develop. So be kind to yourself, put in the work and planning, and soon you’ll be leading your team towards success. At Schola, we offer tools to help you improve your communication skills with your faculty and with parents. Join us and let’s keep working together to improve the educational experience for both students and team members.