"The most important work of the school leader is to promote profound levels of learning in students and faculty, but only principals who know how to promote their own learning on the job can foster the learning of others. Here′s how!" —Roland S. Barth, Founding Director Harvard Principals′ Center "Finally, a book for administrators that validates their role in the area of action research! All administrator preparation programs should use this book." —Margarete Couture, Principal South Seneca Central School District, Interlaken, NY Become the "head learner" in your school by engaging in action research! While much has been written about the effectiveness of action research for improving the practice of teachers, few resources exist for leading principals through the process to strengthen their professional development and their role in school improvement efforts. Best-selling and award-winning author Nancy Fichtman Dana guides principals in identifying and exploring areas of interest for research, including staff development, curriculum development, individual teachers, community/culture building, leadership skills, building management, and school performance. With a step-by-step approach, this resource: Helps principals develop a question, collect and analyze data, and share the results of their inquiry with school faculty, the district, and the broader education community Includes numerous examples of actual principal inquiry to illustrate each step of the research process Provides exercises to guide principals through their own inquiry projects Use this proven method of professional development to continually cultivate your craft and improve school performance!

Become the “head learner” in your school by engaging in action research! Action research can serve as a critical element in the professional development of principals, administrators, and school leaders. Award-winning author Nancy Fichtman Dana guides leaders in identifying and exploring areas of interest for principal research, including staff development, curriculum development, individual teachers, community/culture building, leadership skills, building management, and school performance. With a step-by-step approach, this resource: Helps principals develop a question, collect and analyze data, and share the results of their inquiry Includes numerous examples of actual principal inquiry Provides exercises to guide principals through their own inquiry projects

′I recommend the book as an inspiration to those who are looking for the words that express what they may already do (or will do in the future!) for these well known writers have world wide experience in recognising and knowing what it is that makes the passionate leader′ - International Journal of Educational Management ′This is a very interesting collection of chapters on leadership...Each chapter is written with verve and conviction, and it makes quite stimulating reading′ - Curriculum Perspectives ′Passionate Leadership is a fantastic book by leading thinkers and doers in the education field. It takes moral purpose to new levels, and above all it puts passion in perspective. The book shows that it is not passion by itself that counts but in combination with strategies, insights and daily wisdom. Above all this is a book of action , not rhetoric.′ - Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto and Special Adviser on Education to the Premier of Ontario ′How opportune that Brent Davies and Tim Brighouse have produced a book on "Passionate Leadership". As school leaders are becoming increasingly disillusioned with instrumental forms of educational reform, Davies, Brighouse and their contributors offer a new vision of leadership one that is driven by a belief that teaching is about enabling every child to reach their potential, and a conviction that schools should be places filled with joy and optimism in the pursuit of social justice. This inspiration will encourage all our leaders to take their work to a new level.′ - Professor David Hopkins, HSBC iNet Chair of International Leadership, Formerly the Chief Adviser to three Secretary of States In this book, internationally recognized writers on leadership explore what makes leaders passionate about their role and their schools. The contributors show that leadership must move on from the realm of a role or job towards an energy and commitment for enhancing children′s learning and children′s lives. They maintain that passion must be the driving force that moves vision into action, through a range of chapters from internationally known contributors Brent Davies, Tim Brighouse, Geoff Southworth, Chris Day, John MacBeath, Andy Hargreaves, John Novak, Brain Caldwell, and Alan Flintham. What sustains and drives leaders to achieve in a changing and challenging educational environment? What maintains their passion for education and children′s achievement? This book seeks to answer these questions. The book is essential for all students on leadership programs and educational professionals looking to achieve self and organisational improvement.

A unique take on leadership from a popular Forbes blogger and nationally-known leadership coach Leading So People Will Follow explores the six leadership characteristics that inspire followers to fully support their leaders. Using Erika Andersen’s proven framework, new leaders and veterans alike have increased their capacity for leading in a way that creates loyalty, commitment and results. Step by step, Andersen lays out six key attributes (far-sightedness, passion, courage, wisdom, generosity, and trustworthiness) and gives leaders the tools for developing them. This innovative book offers a practical guide for building the skills to become a truly 'followable' leader. Filled with examples from forward-thinking organizations such as Apple, NBC Universal, Union Square Hospitality Group, and MTV Networks Maps out the six attributes of leadership Includes a free online Followable Leader assessment Author Erika Andersen is one of Forbes' most popular bloggers and coaches some of the most successful leaders in America Using self-assessments, real-world examples, and concrete tools, Leading So People Will Follow helps build timeless core skills that work for leaders in any field.

Having led change successfully at three sprawling, monumental organizations—the CIA, Texas A&M University, and the Department of Defense—Robert M. Gates offers the ultimate insider's look at how leaders can transform large organizations and companies. For many Americans, bureaucracy and corporate structure are code words for inertia. Gates knows that it doesn't have to be that way. With stunning clarity, he shares how simple plans, faithfully executed, can cut through the mire of bureaucracy to reform organizational culture. And he shows that great leaders listen and respond to their teams and embrace the power of compromise. Using the full weight of his wisdom, candor, and devotion to duty, he empowers leaders at any level to effectively implement his leadership strategies.

Provides an overview of the big issues in the business world today, with firsthand accounts from young leaders tasked with tackling these issues head on.

Just as the Wright Brothers combined science and practice to finally realize the dream of flight, Ryan and Robert Quinn combine research and personal experience to demonstrate how to reach a psychological state that elevates us and those around us to greater heights of achievement, integrity, openness, and empathy. It's the psychological equivalent of aerodynamic lift, and it is the fundamental state of leadership. This book draws on recent advances in positive psychology and organizational science to describe four questions that, when asked in any situation, will help us experience the fundamental state of leadership. Engaging personal stories illustrate how the Quinns and others have applied these concepts at work, at home, and in the community. --