Key Leadership Lessons for School Principals

As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting on my first term as the principal of an international school. Like many leaders, I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way. While the circumstances behind these insights may differ, the lessons themselves are universally relevant for school leadership.

Here are five key leadership lessons for principals that can help guide a successful school year.

1. Do the Tough Things First

Mark Twain once said:

“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”

As a school leader, energy levels diminish as the day unfolds. It’s best to handle difficult tasks, critical decisions, and tough conversations early in the day—while your mind is fresh and focused.

2. Set Clear Goals and Reinforce Them Often

A school’s success depends on clear, precise goals. Whether you are a new principal or continuing in the same school, ensuring everyone is aligned with the vision is crucial.

📌 Leadership tip:
✔ Regularly communicate school goals in meetings
✔ Reinforce objectives through staff discussions and professional development
✔ Align daily decisions with the bigger school vision

3. Manage Your Time—Avoid Constant Email Distractions

Many school leaders pride themselves on responding to emails all day long. However, frequent email interruptions reduce productivity and take focus away from critical leadership tasks.

📌 Leadership tip:
✔ Designate specific times for checking and responding to emails
✔ Encourage staff to use face-to-face discussions for urgent matters
✔ Focus on high-impact leadership activities

4. Be Kind—Your Staff Needs Guidance and Support

Teachers, like students, seek affirmation, guidance, and constructive feedback. As an instructional leader, success comes from:
📌 Providing clear direction for teachers
📌 Recognising and celebrating staff achievements
📌 Offering meaningful support and mentorship

Great leaders build strong relationships, making schools positive, thriving communities.

5. Students Are Students—Everywhere

Regardless of location, students share common traits—they are curious, eager to learn, and thrive in supportive environments. A principal who listens to students gains valuable insights into school culture and climate.

📌 Leadership tip:
✔ Take time to speak with students regularly
✔ Gather student feedback on learning experiences
✔ Balance staff perspectives with student insights

Embracing Leadership Growth

Each school has unique challenges and strengths. As leaders become immersed in the school’s culture and philosophy, their impact grows. Leadership is a journey of continuous learning.

As we begin a new school year, let’s embrace reflection, adaptation, and action to create meaningful change.

Happy New Year!

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden