What are the critical practices of leaders in high-performing schools? Based on extensive observations, interviews, and in-depth case studies of principals and superintendents who significantly increase student learning and achievement, this exciting new book provides novice and veteran school leaders with the five critical steps for effective school leadership: Focus on Direction Build a Powerful Organization Ensure Student-Focused Vision and Action Give Life to Data Lead Learning Rich with voices from highly effective leaders, this book provides an accessible, research-based framework for school improvement that is correlated with the field’s standards. The engaging case studies in this vital resource show the power of these five key critical practices to make a difference in the lives of students and transform schools to support learning for all.

What are the critical practices of leaders in high-performing schools? Based on extensive observations, interviews, and in-depth case studies of principals and superintendents who significantly increase student learning and achievement, this exciting new book provides novice and veteran school leaders with the five critical steps for effective school leadership: Focus on Direction Build a Powerful Organization Ensure Student-Focused Vision and Action Give Life to Data Lead Learning Rich with voices from highly effective leaders, this book provides an accessible, research-based framework for school improvement that is correlated with the field’s standards. The engaging case studies in this vital resource show the power of these five key critical practices to make a difference in the lives of students and transform schools to support learning for all.

Some leaders make it look easy. Others who have every opportunity to lead effectively make it appear impossible. One thing is certain with leadership: People notice it when it is absent. W. James Weese, a professor of leadership at one of Canadas top universities, advances the concept of leadership in his exciting book. In doing so, he argues that the best leaders exhibit 5C qualities: credibility, compelling vision, charismatic communicator, contagious enthusiasm, and culture builder. He explores how leaders can effectively: energize colleagues to solve problems; engage as a partner and a participant in the leadership process; develop a community of leaders committed to a clear vision; and open the way to greater clarity, alignment, and effectiveness. The author provides a thorough overview and theoretical grounding for each of his 5Cs in addition to exercises and a diagnostic tool so readers can assess their leadership strengths and areas for development. Discover the foundational components you must cultivate to inspire others, overcome challenges, and achieve results with the lessons outlined in The Five C Leader.

Educational leaders confront instances of inequity every day, whether they are aware of it or not. Many find themselves inadequately reacting to such issues due in part to traditional preparation programs that fail to interrogate the existence and impact of systems of oppression. Why is naming and tackling inequity not at the forefront of every conversation about educational leadership? How do our social constructions of identity hierarchies and deficits (mis)shape what leaders think and do? How do leaders advocate for those who need and deserve advocacy? This volume considers these questions and more by offering unique leadership frameworks that integrate critical theories for social change with everyday practice. By bringing together diverse researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are often pushed to the margins, this volume will help today’s leaders see with new eyes and gain the critical tools, language, and concepts for equity leadership. The text is organized into four sections: Transforming Self, Transforming Educators, Transforming Organizations, and Transforming Systems. Book Features: Interrupts prevailing practices and advocates for a more inclusive, intersectional vision of leaders and the field of educational leadership.Specific and useful frames, concepts, and practices that leaders can adapt to their own context.Authors that reflect diverse perspectives with wide-ranging identities who intentionally push back against the White male-dominated discourse. A practitioner-friendly format that includes glossaries of terms and resources. Insights that reflect the worldwide pandemic crises of 2020.

Completely revised and updated I not only enjoyed it...I found myself constantly nodding and saying to myself, 'That's right! That's how it's done! That's what it feels like!' You certainly captured the essence of what I've found is at the heart of transforming leadership. -- Robert D. Haas, chairman and CEO, Levi Strauss & Co. The leadership book that outshines them all, updated for today's new business realities. With an expanded research base of 60,000 leaders, this second edition captures the continuing interest in leadership as a critical aspect of human organizations. It offers a broader scope of leaders in every industry and walk of life, including the education and nonprofit fields, and examines the era's hottest issues -- the new cynicism, the electronic global village, evolving employee-employer relationships -- in keeping pace with our ever-changing world. The classic five-point guide to better leadership, however, remains as useful as ever.

A brand new edition of the bestselling book that helps students and young people to develop critical leadership skills The Student Leadership Challenge is based on four decades of research on what people are doing when at their personal-best as leaders. With an approach tailored specifically to young and emerging leaders, this guide introduces The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership operating system, incorporating stories of leadership development from real students, as well as reflective and critical thinking activities at the end of each chapter. Readers will have opportunities to engage in each of The Five Practices, building leadership skills that translate to real world applications. This fourth edition has been updated with new stories about topics critical to today's youth, including climate change, social justice, mental health, and virtual learning. Included with the book is access to the online Student Leadership Practices Inventory, so readers can achieve insight into their current leadership skills. Learn The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, and how they help you succeed while in school and in life Get inspired by stories of students around the world who exhibit exemplary leadership Practice critical leadership behaviors and engage in thought-provoking reflections Assess your own potential with the Student Leadership Practices Inventory As a result of reading and interacting with The Student Leadership Challenge, readers will emerge with a concrete leadership framework and new skills that they can take with them, wherever the future leads.

Is your leadership a competitive advantage, or is it costing you? How do you know? Are you developing your leadership effectiveness at the pace of change? For most leaders today, complexity is outpacing their personal and collective development. Most leaders are in over their heads, whether they know it or not. The most successful organizations over time are the best led. While this has always been true, today escalating global complexity puts leadership effectiveness at a premium. Mastering Leadership involves developing the effectiveness of leaders—individually and collectively—and turning that leadership into a competitive advantage. This comprehensive roadmap for optimal leadership features: Breakthrough research that connects increased leadership effectiveness with enhanced business performance The first fully integrated Universal Model of Leadership—one that integrates the best theory and research in the fields of Leadership and Organizational Development over the last half century A free, online self-assessment of your leadership, using the Leadership Circle Profile, visibly outlining how you are currently leading and how to develop even greater effectiveness The five stages in the evolution of leadership—Egocentric, Reactive, Creative, Integral, and Unitive—along with the organizational structures and cultures that develop at each of these stages Six leadership practices for evolving your leadership capability at a faster pace A map of your optimal path to greater leadership effectiveness Case stories that facilitate pragmatic application of this Leadership Development System to your particular situation This timeless, authoritative text provides a systemic approach for developing your senior leaders and the leadership system of your organization. It does not recommend quick fixes, but argues that real development requires a strategic, long-term, and integrated approach in order to forge more effective leaders and enhanced business performance. Mastering Leadership offers a developmental pathway to bring forth the highest and best use of yourself, your life, and your leadership. By more meaningfully deploying all of who you are every day, individually and collectively, you will achieve a leadership legacy consistent with your highest aspirations.