New Thinking in School Management - Become a Smart School Manager

Author: Hu Dongfang / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Reflecting on leadership styles and strategies on the columns of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in ancient Greece. The temple was inscribed with the famous maxim, "Know thyself." This shows that knowing oneself has been considered an important matter since ancient times and has always been one of the pursuits people strive for. As the saying goes: Those who understand others can defeat them; those who understand themselves can conquer the world. This means that the primary task of a school administrator is not something else but precisely knowing oneself. It is the premise and foundation for the smooth conduct of school management and a key guarantee for its distinctive features. So, do you know yourself? Do you know what kind of school administrator you are? Don’t think you have a clear understanding of yourself. It will determine your leadership style and, to a large extent, the school management strategies you choose. At the same time, it means recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, your level of ability, and everything about yourself, so that you can leverage your strengths, avoid weaknesses, and capitalize on your potential advantages in school management, becoming a leadership-focused and professional school administrator. A person who can manage others well can achieve success in their career; while a person who can manage themselves well can create a fulfilling life. Remember: The way to do better than others is to know yourself better than others.
Identify Your Potential School Management Style—An Analysis of a’s Daily Speech
Knowing your management style is crucial for every principal. On one hand, while seeing your true self may be frightening, seeing what you are not might bring some relief. On the other hand, if a principal is aware of their own type, it will help them take appropriate measures to improve. In reality, the words a principal frequently uses in daily interactions with staff and students can reveal their management style. Below are some common phrases or sentences principals often say. Perhaps the statements you use may differ from those listed, but the message they convey is the same. Mark the statements you frequently use. Complete the following questions quickly. Fill in the answers based on your actual situation without overthinking. Pay attention to what you are choosing to reflect "I am actually like this," not "A principal should be like this."
1. I tell you to do it now.
2. I don’t know. Don’t ask me—I’m not cut out for that.
3. You’re amazing. I’m really proud of you.
4. Because I said so.
5. What do you think I should do?
6. I like the way you do that.
7. I can’t believe you did that again.
8. Do whatever you want.
9. Thank you so much for helping me.
10. Come to my office now.
11. It’s okay if you’re wrong, just keep going.
12. You’re getting better at this.
13. I’ve set enough limits.
14. I don’t want to deal with him anymore.
15. You’re really on top of things now.
16. Stop right now.
17. Don’t bother me now.
18. You’ll be disappointed. You’ve already put so much thought into this work.
19. Why don’t you do it this way?
20. I’m busy. Get out, sit down, and do what you’re supposed to do.
21. This is a great idea. Let’s get started.
The above 21 sentences are commonly used by principals. The first, fourth, seventh, tenth, thirteenth, sixteenth, and nineteenth sentences are often used by autocratic principals; the second, fifth, eighth, eleventh, fourteenth, seventeenth, and twentieth sentences are frequently used by permissive principals; while the third, sixth, ninth, twelfth, fifteenth, eighteenth, and twenty-first sentences are commonly used by democratic principals. Count the marks you made in each of these three types. If you have more than four marks in any one category, it indicates a tendency to become that type of principal.
Characteristics of an Autocratic Principal
An autocratic principal is most distinguished by their excessive concern for employees, lack of freedom, and strict demands. They combine care with tyranny, making this the most common type of principal today. You are very strict with your employees, accustomed to controlling their behavior and attitudes, and they can only obey unconditionally. You decide what is right or wrong. If an employee deviates, they are punished, and you rarely explain your reasoning. Employees working under this style are often cautious, timid, rebellious, and emotionally unstable. Principals and employees are emotionally distant, with employees being pessimistic, cold, and lacking enthusiasm. Principals who adopt this style are often highly self-aware. They believe employees don’t know how to plan for themselves, so they must follow the principal’s ideas. If they don’t comply, they may be scolded, punished, or ignored. You may wear a stern face all day, exhausting yourself and your employees. Employees may obey you outwardly but resent you inwardly. Therefore, be careful that behind their obedience lies hypocrisy and resentment toward you.
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