We know that readers are leaders and that leaders are learners…don’t we?
Here are four books I encourage you to add to your peruse list this summer. Our dedication to personal and professional growth sets an example for our entire educational community. I encourage you to carry forward the knowledge and inspiration gained from any of these, infusing it into your classrooms and interactions with students, colleagues, and parents alike.
If you’re new to management or looking to be promoted, The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo is the resource you need to get on the fast track to success. Drawing on her experience managing hundreds of employees as a design executive at Facebook, Zhuo says great managers all focus on achieving the ultimate goal of all managers: facilitating desirable outcomes by inspiring and coordinating the efforts of others. Through Zhuo’s expert tips, you’ll learn how to build a team and motivate them to work together by hiring the right people, building trusting relationships, and running productive meetings.
While the book is not specifically written for educators, its principles and lessons can be applied through the lens of an educator to enhance leadership skills in the educational context.
Zhuo’s book provides a practical guide for individuals transitioning into managerial roles, focusing on key areas such as building a team, setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a positive work culture. As an educator, applying these principles can help you navigate the complexities of leading a team of educators, administrators, and support staff.
One of the central themes in the book is the importance of developing strong relationships with team members. Similarly, as an educator, building positive relationships with your colleagues and staff is crucial for fostering collaboration and a sense of community within the educational institution. By investing in effective communication, active listening, and empathy, you can create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Transitioning into a leadership role is a time of excitement and uncertainty. According to leadership development consultant Michael Watkins, whether you thrive or falter in your new role depends on your actions early on. In The First 90 Days, Watkins provides a roadmap for making your job transition smooth and rewarding. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls by gathering critical information, building strong relationships, and achieving initial successes. If you follow Watkins’s advice, you’ll be ready to ease into your new role with confidence and start creating positive momentum for your career and your campus.
When viewed through the lens of an educator, the book offers valuable insights on how to navigate the critical initial period in a new educational position effectively.
The book emphasizes the importance of quickly understanding the educational context, including the culture, systems, and key stakeholders. As an educator, this means immersing yourself in the school community and actively listening to the needs and perspectives of teachers, students, parents, and administrators. By gaining a deep understanding of the existing educational landscape, you can identify areas for improvement and align your goals and strategies accordingly.
“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy teaches educators that small, consistent actions and habits have a compounding effect over time. By consistently implementing effective teaching strategies, investing in professional development, and fostering positive relationships, educators can make a lasting impact on student learning. The book emphasizes the power of consistency, personal growth, and cultivating positive habits to drive long-term success in education.
Hardy highlights the importance of recognizing that small, incremental improvements in teaching practices and classroom management accumulate over time, leading to significant educational outcomes. By adopting a growth mindset, staying committed to professional development, and establishing consistent routines, educators can create a positive learning environment and contribute to student success. By embracing the principles of consistency and personal growth, educators can make a profound and lasting impact on their students and the educational community as a whole.
What makes a good leader? Some say you’ll know one when you see one; others confuse being a leader with simply having a title. In The 5 Levels of Leadership, John C. Maxwell gives a shape and form to something seemingly indefinable and provides a roadmap to help you reach your full leadership potential.
In this book, you’ll learn how to go from being a boss to a real leader, how to get people to follow you without using your rank, and how to use your leadership to build a legacy that stands the test of time. It begins with the recognition that leadership based solely on position is just the starting point. As educators, we must build relationships and earn permission and influence from others. Delivering results and achieving excellence in education is crucial, but true leadership also involves developing and empowering our team members. Ultimately, the pinnacle of leadership lies in making a broader impact on the education community, advocating for positive change, and shaping the future of education. By embracing these levels, educators can become influential leaders who inspire and empower others to create a transformative educational experience.
Hopefully, this week finds you winding down, wrapping up, and getting to take a well-deserved BREAK! June was my month to close up and reflect on the year…but it’s also when I had the mental capacity to dive into books. Have any you’ve read recently that I need to add to my list?
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