Learning to Lead: What Skills Do You Need in Education Leadership Settings?

Leadership is a buzzword that is often thrown around nonchalantly every now and then. But it does not always mean the same in every context. Different situations and industries demand different types of leadership. The educational sector presents its own set of challenges. Therefore, it also needs leaders who are distinct from the usual corporate honchos. 

A school setting can be unlike any other. Here, we don't chase profit. We chase growth. The emotional, social, and intellectual growth of the students who enter the halls of the establishment every day is affected. While it is advisable to go for a more professional and structured route by pursuing a degree like Doctor of Educational Leadership, certain skills and traits can be developed to make educators better leaders.

1. Communication

Communication is everything in educational leadership roles. Having the skills to properly articulate your vision can make the job ten times easier. To get the buy-in from everyone involved, clear and concise communication is a must. This could also come in handy when there are potential conflicts (like between a parent and a teacher) or when crunch negotiations are on the line (like asking the local government to avoid cutting public funds for your school). It would be a great idea to sharpen up your communication skills before going all in for this role.

2. Versatility

An educational leader has to don many hats, sometimes in a single day. One minute, you could be closely looking at the annual budget at the financial year end, and the next, you could be covering for a teacher’s last-minute leave and teaching a classroom full of schoolkids. Schools can be a very dynamic environment, so everyone has to be on their toes. Traits like quick thinking and resilience could go a long way in developing adaptability and taking on difficult situations like a duck to the water. 

3. Empathy

A school is a safe space for every child, whether they are from a minority group or a student with special needs. A culture of inclusivity should be cultivated from the top, and that starts with the educational leaders. To go beyond virtue signalling, this can be actioned by ensuring equity in policy, teaching practices, and the daily interactions that may sound mundane. So, instead of celebrating cultural days, a support system should be created for children to fall back on in times of distress.

4. Stakeholder Management

There are many stakeholders for an educational leader to dabble with. Central to all are the students whose welfare should be the top priority of a leader. Next up are the educators and support staff who facilitate the smooth functioning of a school on a day-to-day basis. Parents are another party in the whole equation, they are responsible for safeguarding the best interests of their ward. Ensuring that their concerns are understood and acted upon is of the utmost importance. 

Finally, the school board is another important cog in the wheel. To implement any major policy, their buy-in is essential. The intent and strategy should be ably explained to them to bring them on board. A lot of consensus-building is essential in education leadership roles, and the solid mix of stakeholders adds to the complexity. 

5. Delegation

You cannot be everywhere at all times. Delegation can often feel like you are either evading your responsibilities or giving the work away to its eventual demise. Moving away from these extreme ends, a more measured take is necessary. Delegation is a necessary skill to have in leadership roles. You ned to ensure that you give the right job to the right person i.e. the work aligns well with the individual’s core skillsets. Delegating also enables you to focus on things that matter. 

Education leadership roles can be highly rewarding careers. There is a chance to have a ground-level impact on the lives of young adults. Having the right skills up your sleeve can enable you to maximize your abilities. 

Being a great communicator can be a good start, allowing you to get your ideas across in a people-facing role. Versatility is key primarily due to the multi-faceted nature of the job. Developing empathy can ensure that you truly understand the needs of students and educators and take effective steps to alleviate any situation, if necessary. Managing the different stakeholders is also part and parcel of this job, as public schools tend to have many stakeholders. Knowing when and where to delegate can make your job much easier, allowing you to focus on the right areas. At the end of the day, seeking a professional qualification to refine these skills might be a good idea.