What Matters Most: Leadership Imperatives for Today’s School Principals

Recently I was asked a simple but powerful question: What are the key leadership imperatives for school principals?

It’s a question that every school leader should reflect on. In my own leadership journey, I’ve come to believe that real impact comes from clear purpose, strong relationships, and the courage to act on what matters most.

My answer to the question was this:

I am committed to achieving our school’s vision through a student-centred approach that promotes best practice and builds a culture of continuous improvement. I believe in the power of education to change lives and I’m proud to lead a school that does just that.

Across every school I’ve led, these principles have guided my leadership:

• Fostering a culture of excellence in everything we do
• Creating an environment where every student can succeed
• Promoting best practices in teaching and learning
• Encouraging a growth mindset in students, staff, and community
• Celebrating the diversity of our school community
• Building relationships of trust and respect with all stakeholders
• Acting with integrity at all times

Leadership Imperatives That Matter

Here are the core truths and beliefs that continue to shape my thinking and may support your own leadership reflection:

1. Every Child Can Learn

At the heart of education is belief in potential. Every child can learn, and it’s our job to build the conditions that make that happen.

2. Education Is the Great Equaliser

Schools are agents of equity. They level the playing field. But only if we’re deliberate in how we structure opportunity and support.

3. The Quality of a School Reflects Its Leadership

Strong schools have strong leaders. These are leaders who set direction, build teams, and stay relentlessly focused on student learning.

Five Mindsets to Strengthen Leadership Practice

1. Teachers Make the Difference

Invest in great teaching. If you want school improvement, start by growing your teachers. When teachers thrive, students do too.

2. Collaboration Multiplies Impact

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Collaborative teams lift student achievement and deepen teacher practice.

3. Focus on What Matters

Not everything can be a priority. Focus your leadership energy on what’s closest to student learning and wellbeing. Protect that time fiercely.

4. Teach for Tomorrow

Future-ready learners must be innovative, creative, and self-directed. Equip students to navigate uncertainty and solve problems in new ways.

5. Lead with Data and Act

Data matters, but so does action. Don’t just analyse. Decide. Move. Leadership means using good judgment and having the courage to act on it.

Final Reflections

Leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most and helping others do the same. Every school day presents a choice: growth or stagnation. And strong leaders choose growth, on purpose.

You can’t do everything. But you can do the things that matter. And that’s where real leadership begins.

What would you add to this list of leadership imperatives for school principals?
Share your thoughts in the comments or start a conversation in your network.

Please leave this field empty

Smart strategies for school leaders – in under 5 minutes a week.

Get weekly leadership insights —designed for educators, school leaders, and aspiring leaders.
Each issue offers a single theme, practical strategies, real-world reflections, and tools to help you lead with confidence, purpose, and impact.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

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.

See Full Bio

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