Applying Leadership Theories Essay
The Importance of Leadership Styles
Jennifer Sanchez
Grand Canyon University – EDA 575
May 15, 2013
The following paper analyzes the leadership styles of a principal in an urban school district. The three leadership styles discussed are directive, affiliative, and collaborative. Each of these styles has been utilize to create an environment which is effective and conducive for a quality education.
The Importance of Leadership Styles
The school I have chosen as the subject to my research is located in an urban district. The school houses grades kindergarten through sixth grade and will grow to eighth grade within the next two year. The population is mostly African American, coming from a low income house hold. The administration is made up of a principal and vice principal. Other important stakeholders consist of the PTA, teachers, the child study team, and the leadership committee.
The principal has been in the building for three consecutive years. However, this was not his first position in administration. He previously was a principal to a smaller school for behaviorally challenged students.
His first year, he was considered everyone’s friend. He tried to make friends with the staff to understand the building’s dynamics. His second year, he toughen up a bit, but continued to make the mistake of being everyone’s friend, and did not incorporate the leadership qualities to lead his team to success. This year, has been very challenging. It has been difficult to hold teacher, parents, and students to new standards when they were so accustomed to a laid back approach.
According to the article Harnessing the Power of Adventure: Leadership Styles, “Leadership is the ability to move a group towards a common goal that would not be met if a leader had not been there (Graham, 1997).” The first day my principal stepped foot into our building, he held a meeting. He met with the teachers, assistants, and aides to discuss his plans for a success
Jennifer Sanchez
Grand Canyon University – EDA 575
May 15, 2013
The following paper analyzes the leadership styles of a principal in an urban school district. The three leadership styles discussed are directive, affiliative, and collaborative. Each of these styles has been utilize to create an environment which is effective and conducive for a quality education.
The Importance of Leadership Styles
The school I have chosen as the subject to my research is located in an urban district. The school houses grades kindergarten through sixth grade and will grow to eighth grade within the next two year. The population is mostly African American, coming from a low income house hold. The administration is made up of a principal and vice principal. Other important stakeholders consist of the PTA, teachers, the child study team, and the leadership committee.
The principal has been in the building for three consecutive years. However, this was not his first position in administration. He previously was a principal to a smaller school for behaviorally challenged students.
His first year, he was considered everyone’s friend. He tried to make friends with the staff to understand the building’s dynamics. His second year, he toughen up a bit, but continued to make the mistake of being everyone’s friend, and did not incorporate the leadership qualities to lead his team to success. This year, has been very challenging. It has been difficult to hold teacher, parents, and students to new standards when they were so accustomed to a laid back approach.
According to the article Harnessing the Power of Adventure: Leadership Styles, “Leadership is the ability to move a group towards a common goal that would not be met if a leader had not been there (Graham, 1997).” The first day my principal stepped foot into our building, he held a meeting. He met with the teachers, assistants, and aides to discuss his plans for a success