It’s not difficult for me to know what goes on in a principal’s mind during that drive to school in the early morning. It’s a journey of calm reflection, mindfulness, a conscious bracing for what the day will bring and for every day’s difficult conversations; a picturing of all the places where the principal’s presence is expected that day, and an in-built reminder of looming deadlines.
But, what really happens, is that a choice is made; the principal in you digs deep, activates that well of resilience, fills that tank of strength and greets the janitor with the sincerity and confidence which makes the janitor think, ‘That’s my Principal.’
Teachers want a principal they trust. It’s the first requirement on their list. That confidence is earned by seeing you in action all day, every day. They get to know you; they gauge your sincerity, your professionalism, your work ethic and your compassion. You can’t fool a school. They have confidence in who you are; they respect that you are human and that you have a difficult job with tough decisions to make. How many times has a member of your school community told you that they keep you in their prayers?
As a principal you interact with different stakeholders every day and you’re taking a position on an issue with each one. You are making your school’s position clear. Whether it’s introducing a new family to the school, interviewing a prospective teacher, dealing with a serious disciplinary situation, making representation to a department official, meeting with a community leader, approaching a potential sponsor – you have a powerful message to convey with the key points imprinted in your mind and with the resolve to conclude each situation as a win-win, a positive outcome, a seed of hope.
We all know that confidence can be affected by setbacks of many kinds, but we know, too, that a confidence mindset can be developed and strengthened over time. I remember the real leadership responsibility of getting a new year or term started from the first moment. You’re out front trying to return a campus and its staffroom and classrooms to life. I used to feel the pressure and I needed that first crisis (which came in minutes) to remind myself that this is I what I do, and I do it well.
But confidence is a struggle for many lonely principals, especially when unthinking, easily influenced staff withhold support from a new principal because of staffroom immaturity which rejects change, school improvement and anything which means extra effort. This is sadly commonplace.
We strengthen our confidence by preparing properly for briefings, meetings, speeches and for important conversations. As the school’s leader, you have to have a plan and a vision for every day; you have to lead the people who make a good school work; you have to offer example and set the tone.
It helps to have a coach or mentor to lean on in developing confidence and celebrating the achievements of others in meaningful ways.
Just remember, being confident doesn’t mean you have all the answers. On the contrary, confidence gives you the mindset to easily rely on your team, to encourage diverse thinking, to attract the eventual buy-in which makes things happen. Your confidence helps you to facilitate discussion, engagement and outcomes. And be humble. Don’t make the fatal mistake of taking all the credit.
In making my point with principals I challenged them to think on their feet and respond to my scenario, instantly and confidently:
Siya Kolisi walks into your office and tells you that he has officially chosen your school for his son, and, as a parent, he puts himself at your disposal. ‘I’m telling you, use me.’ How will you use him?
The first six principals I approached had immediate, impressive, different answers.
- Albert said that he wanted Siya in his staffroom to inspire his teachers, to help them to improve their skills and to work together in a winning team.
- Natasha said she wanted Siya at assembly. She wanted him to share his personal story of disadvantage, talent, hard work, opportunity, success and failure.
- Keriston shared that he was keen to improve participation in co-curricular activities, and he wanted Siya on his field to attract more learners to reap the benefits of exercise, commitment and teamwork.
- Candice has the smallest school grounds in the Western Cape, and she wanted Siya, his sponsors and his contacts to make her dream playground come true.
- Lee immediately saw a marketing opportunity and he would use Siya and his choice of school for his son to strengthen admission quality.
- Ronald looked at me carefully and, without blinking, said ‘Look, this is big. I’m going to need a day to think, consult and make the best choice for my school.
But, I know Ronald, and I think he just wants to get Siya alone and ask for test tickets for the Springbok match against the Wallabies in August.
Someone, please forward this letter to Siya. How about you and I choosing a principal each and making his dream come true? Let me know.
I’m with Ronald.
Paul Cassar
Coach/Mentor
The Principals Academy Trust
No: 08/25
03 June 2025
Video/Audio Link
English Newsletter
That’s my Principal