The best investment you will ever make is who you spend time with!

The greatest investment you can make is in the company you keep. Often credited to Jim Rohn, an American motivational speaker and entrepreneur, this concept emphasises the influence that those around you have on your life. Being surrounded by positive and successful people can inspire and drive you toward achieving your own ambitions. This notion holds importance for school principals as well, who wield significant influence over students and staff, fostering an environment that is both positive and conducive to learning.

Being deliberate in fostering these relationships is crucial for fostering a productive and encouraging atmosphere for both students and staff. Consider these key points for establishing positive relationships and surrounding yourself with the right individuals.

Seek out mentorship:

Identify those who possess the skills and insights you aspire to gain, and seek their counsel. As a school principal, you can learn from veteran school leaders and other industry experts. Mentors offer invaluable support and guidance, serving as a sounding board for your ideas and concerns.

Build a network:

Developing a professional network is vital for school principals. Engaging with educators both within and beyond your school keeps you updated on current trends and developments, providing a resource for advice or assistance. Networking also facilitates the sharing of best practices and collaboration to enhance student education.

Surround yourself with positivity:

Being around encouraging, supportive, and optimistic individuals is crucial for sustaining a positive outlook and motivation. Steer clear of those who are negative or critical, as they can adversely affect your well-being and leadership ability.

Be selective:

As a school principal, you can choose those you keep close. Be discerning about whom you spend time with, ensuring they reflect your values and objectives.

Lead by example:

Your behaviour as a school principal can influence the entire school community. By consistently exhibiting positive and professional conduct, you contribute to a culture of success and positivity.

Keep in mind that building positive relationships requires time and effort, but it ultimately pays off. It’s essential to be intentional about the relationships you nurture and the people you surround yourself with.

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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