(By Murry J. Schekman, Author of “It’s All About Leadership in Schools”)
Do you want to become a better leader? Whether you’re a teacher, a parent or a CEO, leadership strategies are the key to success. My name is Murry J. Schekman, and I’ve spent over 40 years learning what works (and what doesn’t!) in leadership. From starting as an instructional aide to retiring as a superintendent, I’ve seen how great leaders inspire teams, solve problems, and build strong communities.
In my book, “It’s All About Leadership in Schools”, I share real stories about teachers, students, and parents. You’ll learn how to create a positive school culture, design class schedules that work and avoid burnout. Let’s dive into some practical ideas you can use today!
Why Leadership Development Matters
Leadership development isn’t just for CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference. In schools, strong leaders help students succeed. At work, they keep teams motivated. But how do you grow as a leader?
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Start small: Even little actions, like listening to a struggling student or praising a coworker, build trust.
- Learn from mistakes: I once tried a strict discipline rule that backfired. Later, I found a better way by asking teachers for ideas.
- Stay enthusiastic: Your energy is contagious! If you care, your team will too.
A good leadership development program teaches these skills step-by-step. For example, I trained young principals to solve problems creatively. One team used fun team-building activities for work (like trivia contests) to boost staff morale. The result? Teachers collaborated better, and student grades improved!
What is Leadership Development Training?
Leadership development training is like a roadmap for growing your skills. Think of it as practice for real-life challenges. For example, when I opened a new high school, I had to train staff to build a school culture from scratch. We role-played tough conversations with parents and brainstormed solutions for student discipline. These exercises prepared the team to handle surprises confidently.
You don’t need a big budget for training. Try these free ideas:
- Shadow a leader: Spend a day observing how someone you admire leads meetings or solves problems.
- Read together: Pick a chapter from books on leadership and discuss it with your team.
- Set goals: Write down one leadership skill you want to improve each month.
Fun Team Building Activities for Work and School
Want to bring your team closer? Try these simple ideas:
- “Two Truths and a Lie”: Share three statements about yourself—two true, one fake. Let others guess the lie! It’s a fun way to learn about coworkers or students.
- Group Challenges: Split into teams to solve a puzzle or plan a project. Reward creativity, not just speed.
- Thank-You Notes: Handwrite notes to thank someone for their help. Small gestures create big connections.
In schools, I used similar activities to help teachers bond. At one workshop, we played “Principal for a Day” where staff swapped roles. It helped everyone understand each other’s struggles!
How Teamwork Fixes Burnout
Burnout happens when people feel overwhelmed or unappreciated. As a principal, I saw teachers working late nights and skipping breaks. So, we started a “Wellness Wednesday” program. Every week, teams would:
- Share a funny classroom story.
- Take a 10-minute walk outside.
- Swap tips for saving time on grading.
This simple change reduced stress and reminded everyone they weren’t alone. Remember: A happy team is a productive team!
Parent Power: How to Involve Families in School Culture
Parents are your secret weapon! When I was a superintendent, schools with strong parent partnerships had fewer discipline issues and higher test scores. Here’s how to get parents on your side:
- Host “Coffee Chats”: Informal meetings where parents ask questions without judgment.
- Create a Parent Volunteer Calendar: Let them help with events, tutoring, or even lunch duty.
- Send Good News Texts: A quick message like, “Your child helped a friend today!” builds trust.
One parent told me, “I used to dread school meetings. Now I feel like part of the team.”
The Best Leadership Books to Inspire You
Looking for more ideas? Check out the best leadership books! My favorites include stories about teamwork, resilience, and kindness. Of course, I’m biased—I wrote my book to share lessons from my career!
“It’s All About Leadership in Schools” is packed with tips like:
- How to design a master schedule that reduces stress.
- Why parents should partner with schools (and how to ask for their help).
- The #1 mistake leaders make with discipline (and how to fix it).
You don’t need fancy degrees to be a great leader. You just need the right tools—and maybe a few books on leadership to guide you.
Why This Book is Different
Most best books on leadership focus on CEOs or politicians. Mine is written for everyday heroes—teachers, counselors, and principals. It’s filled with true stories, like the time a student’s prank taught me about forgiveness, or how a janitor’s idea saved our school budget. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about heart.
Ready to Become a Better Leader?
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning, growing, and caring for your team. Whether you’re running a school or a business, the same rules apply:
- Listen more than you talk.
- Celebrate small wins.
- Stay curious (even experts keep learning!).
For more tips, grab a copy of “It’s All About Leadership in Schools” on Amazon. And don’t forget to visit [YourWebsiteName.com] for free resources like:
- Leadership checklists.
- Printable team-building games.
- Interviews with top educators.
Free Resource: Build Your Leadership Toolkit
Visit [YourWebsiteName.com] today to download:
- A “Leadership Growth Plan” template.
- A guide to “10-Minute Team Building Games”.
- A video workshop on avoiding burnout.
Final Thought
Great leaders aren’t born—they’re made. Start today with one small step. Share a compliment, try a new idea, or read a book. Remember: Your enthusiasm can change everything!
