Intended for principals as a means of reflecting on their personal behaviour and experiences as principal. This book reports mistakes which reflect a collection of conversations with teachers, administrators, and the author's personal experiences as both a teacher and a principal.

"20 Biggest Mistakes Principals Make and How to Avoid Them" is specifically designed for principals as a means of reflecting on their personal behaviour and experiences as principal. The mistakes reported in this book reflect a collection of conversations with teachers, administrators, and the author's own personal experiences as both a teacher and a principal. The scenarios concern mistakes that a principal can and should avoid, and suggests strategies for avoiding some of the mistakes other principals have made. The book divides these mistakes into six categories: People Skills, People, Principal, Job, Tasks, Personal Issues, and Fatal Attractions. Each of these scenarios is designed to illustrate the mistakes that can occur in each area.

Introduction Acknowledgments About the Author I. The People Skills

Mistake 1: Interpersonal Shortcomings

Mistake 2: Communication Flaws
II. The People

Mistake 3: Neglecting the Professionals

Mistake 4: Mismanaging Parents
III. The Principal

Mistake 5: Being Too Bossy

Mistake 6: Inconsistency

Mistake 7: Displaying Weakness IV. The Job

Mistake 8: Endless Work

Mistake 9: Mismanaging Time V. Tasks

Mistake 10: Ignoring the Preparation

Mistake 11: Displacing Goals

Mistake 12: Decision-Making Dilemmas

Mistake 13: Change Dilemmas

Mistake 14: Professional Development Vacuum

Mistake 15: Failing to Supervise VI. Personal Issues

Mistake 16: Forgetting the Family

Mistake 17: Ignoring Health Issues

Mistake 18: Succumbing to Stress

Mistake 19: Etiquette Gaffes VII. Fatal Attractions

Mistake 20: Errors of Judgment VIII. The Leader's Response

Response 1: Never to Err Again?

Response 2: Over the Horizon Resource A: Building Visibility in the Community
Resource B: Verbal Skills Self-Assessment
Resource C: Principal Access Self-Assessment
Resource D: Principal Self-Assessment
References