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Description of the Education World Informal Survey of School Leaders

Forty-three principals responded to our leadership qualities survey. We gave each participant a list of 15 leadership qualities. We asked the respondents to choose the ten qualities on the list they felt were the most essential qualities of a strong school leader and number them in order of their importance from 1 (the most important) to 10 (the least important). We tallied the results in three ways:

• The total number of points. If a trait was chosen as the most-important quality, it was given 1 point; a trait selected as the tenth most-important trait was given 10 points. That way, the trait with the lowest number of total points was the most important trait.
• Frequency of listing. We recorded the number of people who selected each of the 15 traits. It didn't matter where on the list the trait was placed.
• Average points. To determine the average number of points given to each trait, we divided the number of total points by the number of respondents who included that trait on their lists. That average score was the basis for the list published in our story.

Most Important Leadership Qualities (Total Points)

1. Is good at "politics," a diplomat.
2. Does not tolerate bad teachers.
3. Has a stated vision for the school and a plan to achieve that vision.
4. Clearly states goals and expectations for students, staff, and parents.
5. Shows he or she is in charge when that needs to be done.
6. Helps develop leadership skills in others.
7. Shows she or he is not in charge alone; involves others.
8. Is an insulator; protects staff from teaching distractions.
9. Develops strong teachers; cultivates good teaching practice.
10. Offers meaningful kindnesses and kudos to staff and students.

Most Important Leadership Qualities (Frequency of Listing)

1. Is visible -- gets out of the office, is seen all over school.
2. Is trustworthy and straight with students and staff.
3. Clearly states goals and expectations for students, staff, and parents.
4. Has a stated vision for the school and a plan to achieve that vision.
5. Develops strong teachers; cultivates good teaching practice.
6. Knows students' names; talks with them.
7. Has sense of humor.
8. Is a role model for students and staff.
9. Shows she or he is not in charge alone; involves others.
10. Helps develop leadership skills in others.

Most Important Leadership Qualities (Average Score)

1. Has a stated vision for the school and a plan to achieve that vision.
2. Clearly states goals and expectations for students, staff, and parents.
3. Is visible -- gets out of the office; is seen all over school.
4. Is trustworthy and straight with students and staff.
5. Helps develop leadership skills in others.
6. Develops strong teachers; cultivates good teaching practice.
7. Shows she or he is not in charge alone; involves others.
8. Has a sense of humor.
9. Is a role model for students and staff.
10. Offers meaningful kindness and kudos to staff and students.

© 2000 by Education World®. Education World grants teachers permission to reproduce this work sheet for educational purposes only.