[Ous-lp-rp13] EDAD 6010, Answer to Question #1

[Matney, Mary]

Mary Matney
EDAD 6010- Assignment #1

A principal might be well-served to address both the managerial and leadership aspects of administration in order to be an effective administrator. The long-running conversation regarding the differences between a principal as a manager and/or a leader is complex, however one thing remains the same in each of those conversations: the main difference between a manager and a leader is how they motivate their people. A manager is one who controls things, or people, in accordance with the established vision for a company or industry, such as a school. The management side of a principalship has little to do with his/her own vision, or direction, of the school, but rather has more to do with reaching goals set by the district in which he/she works. Being a principal not only entails demonstrating managerial skills, but it requires one to exhibit leadership qualities as well. Leaders are people-centered, meaning that they focus on helping others attain a certain level of achievement. Leaders are charismatic, and aim to work together with their followers to reach their goals or vision.

Effective managers are highly regarded because they are encouraging, approachable, and able to accomplish many tasks. They have high standards, yet provide guidance when needed to reach those standards. Managers who have clear communication and are open to discussions are much more successful among their stakeholders than those who see communication as a one way street. Managers who fail to perform as a leader are often viewed in a negative way because stakeholders do not feel safe. There tends to be no direction, and stakeholders feel a sense of solitude. Subordinates who work for managers without leadership qualities often feel as though they have no one to support them in a crisis or conflict. Many times in fact, managers who do not have the necessary leadership qualities will blame the stakeholders when goals are not reached, or standards are not met. In conclusion, a principal must be both a leader and a manager in order to be a successful administrator because he/she must oversee the details that make a school function properly on a daily basis, and at the same time must lead with enthusiasm and fervor for his/her goals and vision in order to attain followers to help reach those goals.

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