Transforms Schools and Workplaces
(By Murry J. Schekman, Author of “It’s All About Leadership in Schools”)
Imagine teachers arriving happily, students eager to learn, and parents feeling like partners. At work, colleagues collaborate effectively, share creative ideas confidently, and address challenges efficiently as a team. The key to this success is leadership development training, which has proven beneficial in enhancing teamwork and productivity.
Hi, I’m Murry J. Schekman. Forty years ago, I was a first-year teacher, wondering what works for my students’ learning. I was fortunate to be surrounded by caring and talented professionals. As I look back, I got some of it right and some of it wrong! Fast-forward through classrooms, counselor offices, a few difficult parent meetings and teaching in the School of Ed at SJSUI—I retired as a superintendent with one big lesson: effective leaders aren’t born, they’re grown.
My first book “It’s All About Leadership in Schools…What works and some of what doesn’t!” lends itself to professional development, especially regarding the development of a positive school culture. Let’s explore how leadership training can change your school or workplace!
What is Leadership Development Training?
Leadership development training resembles a leader’s handbook. It imparts abilities like problem-solving, listening and motivating others. Consider it training for obstacles in real life. For example:
- A principal learns how to calm an angry parent.
- A manager discovers ways to motivate a tired team.
- A teacher finds tricks to keep students engaged.
In schools, I used training workshops to help new principals. We role-played tough situations, like handling bullying complaints or fixing a broken class schedule. These exercises boosted confidence and creativity. It was important to me that the site principals had time with each other to share their ideas and creative juices.
Why Schools and Workplaces Need Leadership Training
Leadership is about creating environments where people want to do their best. A school culture that revolves around student learning is the outcome of good leadership at the site and in the district. Training enhances leadership.
For Schools:
- Better Student Results: Teachers with leadership skills engage students more effectively.
- Stronger Teams: Principals learn to resolve conflicts between staff members.
- Parent Partnerships: Training teaches leaders to listen to families, not just talk to them.
For Workplaces:
- Higher Productivity
- Less Turnover: Employees stay longer when they feel respected.
- Innovation: Leaders who encourage ideas unlock their team’s creativity.
Leadership Training in Action: A School Story
When I opened a new high school, the staff were new to each other. The staff changed each year for the school added a grade level each year. We started weekly leadership development sessions. Teachers and custodians alike shared ideas for building school spirit. Good ideas were shared and staff felt valued – classified and certificated.
Key Takeaway: Great ideas can come from anyone. Leadership training teaches you to listen to every voice.
Leadership Strategies You Can Use Today
You don’t need a fancy title to be a leader. Try these simple leadership strategies:
1. Ask “What Do You Think?”
Let your team share ideas first. You’ll be surprised by their solutions!
Example: A teacher once told me, “Students act out during the last period because they’re hungry.” We moved snack time later, and disruptions dropped by 60%.
2. Celebrate Tiny Wins
Did a student finish homework on time? Did a coworker fix a printer? Say, “Great job!”
Why It Works: Small praise builds confidence. At a warehouse I advised, managers started giving “Star Stickers” to workers who met daily goals. Morale soared, and productivity jumped.
3. Fix Problems Together
Instead of blaming, ask, “How can we solve this?” Workshop Exercise:
- Write a problem on a whiteboard (e.g., “Students are late to class”).
Encourage everyone to propose solutions—no idea should be disregarded.
- Vote on the best 3 and test them for a week.
4. Stay Positive – Always Work toward a Positive School Culture
Even on bad days, smile and say, “We’ve got this.”
Example: During a budget crisis, I told my staff, “Let’s turn this into a game! Who can find the most creative cost-cut?” A teacher suggested reusing old art supplies for a sculpture contest. Students loved it, and we saved $2,000!
Training – Specific Themes from “It’s All About Leadership in Schools”
Enhancing School Culture
- Building Community Connections/Community Engagement
- Developing Meaningful Lessons e.g. Interdisciplinary
- Systematic Counseling Support
5. The Following can be part of the School Culture training or apart as individual themes
- Structuring Secondary Schools
- Community Engagement
- Leadership Roles for Classified
6. How to Measure the Impact of Leadership Training
How do you know if training works? Track these signs:
In Schools:
- Fewer student discipline reports.
- Higher parent attendance at meetings.
- Teachers volunteering for new projects.
- Higher level of student achievement
In Workplaces:
- Lower employee turnover.
- Faster problem-solving during crises.
- More ideas shared in meetings.
Pro Tip: Survey your team before and after training. Ask questions like:
- “Do you feel heard by your leader?”
- “Are you proud to work here?”
Final Thought
A school or workplace is only as strong as its leaders. With the right training, you can build a place where everyone thrives. Start today—your team is counting on you!
Some Follow-Up Activities Discussion Regarding Your Leadership. Activities can also apply to the training of your staff! (Also found at the end of the book.)
- Identify your mentors, even those who play a small role in helping you. What are their titles? How do they help you? What are areas that you would like help in from your mentors at this time?
- How does your enthusiasm show up? What do people around you see and feel when you are enthused? Break into job-alike groups and describe what you see manifested in your colleagues’ behavior when they are ENTHUSED!
- Who are your key researchers at this time? What specifically do they offer you at this point in your career?
- What systems are in place in your district or school site that reinforce positive behaviors?
- What systems are in place in your district or school site that reinforce and enhance student learning?
- How would you describe the CULTURE in your school? District? (Very general question!)
- What is your routine in the morning to get you ready for work?
- Do you have “triggers” that help you get upbeat and enthused? Share some examples!
- If you wake up grumpy, what do you do to get yourself ready for work?
- How do you plan for short-term projects? What about long-term projects?
- How do you anticipate?
- If you were to start a leadership meeting of some sort at your district or your school site, how would you break the ice to start the meeting? Do you have a good joke to tell?
- How do you describe your leadership characteristics? Where do you want to grow? Now you can get specific!
- What factors are you identifying that is keeping your leadership back?
- How do you motivate your team?
- What steps do you take to collaborate effectively with your peers?
- How do you delegate tasks?
- How do you encourage student development, both in personal and professional areas of their lives?
- What leadership or professional development programs are participating in at this time?
