What Makes a Good Educational Leader? 5 Traits to be on the Lookout for

As a school principal and director of a principal preparation program, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many amazing educational leaders. These leaders are the ones who make a real difference in the lives of students by creating a place where students, staff, and families want to be.

So, what are the qualities of a good educational leader?

1. Passion for education

The first quality of a good educational leader is an authentic passion for education. This passion should be evident in everything that the leader does. They should be excited about teaching and learning, and they should be able to inspire others with their enthusiasm. 

2. Strong communication skills

Good educational leaders are also strong communicators. They need to be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers, and other staff members. They should also be able to clearly and concisely articulate their vision for the school and how they plan to achieve it.

3. Effective decision-making skills

Educational leaders need to be able to make tough decisions and have difficult conversations. They need to be able to weigh the pros and cons of different options and make the best decision for the school, even when it may not be the popular decision.

4. Ability to build relationships

Good educational leaders are able to build strong relationships with students, parents, teachers, and other staff members. These relationships are essential for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. When built effectively, these relationships transcend the school building and can carry well beyond the years that the student is in the school.

5. Commitment to equity and inclusion

Finally, good educational leaders are committed to equity and inclusion. They believe that all students deserve a quality education, regardless of their background. They work to create a school environment where all students feel welcome and supported.

If you’re looking for a career in educational leadership, these are excellent qualities to build. They will help you become an impactful leader that others believe in and want to follow. 

In addition to the qualities listed above, here are a few honorable mentions for helpful leadership characteristics:

• Lifelong learners: They should always be looking for new ways to improve their practice.
• Collaborative: They should be able to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
• Resilient: They should be able to overcome challenges and setbacks.

What other qualities would you add to the list?

Please share your comments below.