What Makes or Breaks a Principal.

The article discusses the dilemma of school principals who are caught between the duties of caring for staff and getting things done. It states that principals' skills in interpersonal relations are critical when trying to transform a school. Principals, it says, need to learn along with their staff so that they can demonstrate their interest and be effective consultants. Learning to listen and appreciate concerns of teachers, students and parents accurately is cited as important. It notes the importance of the skill of facilitating learning groups, which requires abilities in confronting conflict and cultivating consensus. It stresses that in addition to skills, principals may need to learn to value relationships if it does not come naturally to them.