Don’t Celebrate the Wrong Leaders This Hiring Season
It's hiring season for most schools, and with it comes the important task of selecting new principals and assistant principals. The right leadership can transform a school, driving academic success and creating a positive culture.
However, the wrong leader can lead to a long list of problems, from decreased staff morale to declining student performance. If you are a school administrator, consider the insights from Martin Gutmann's TEDx Talk which highlights the pitfalls of the "action fallacy" in leadership.
The "Action Fallacy" in Leadership
Gutmann’s talk introduces the concept of the "action fallacy," where society often mistakes dramatic, action-filled stories for good leadership. Ernest Shackleton, known for his perilous expeditions, is celebrated despite his frequent failures. In contrast, Roald Amundsen, who meticulously planned and executed successful missions, is less remembered.
In the context of school leadership, this fallacy can lead to the hiring of leaders who are more style than substance, creating an illusion of competence through dramatic actions rather than effective management.
As those in charge of hiring prepare to make these pivotal decisions, it’s essential to recognize the traits that distinguish truly effective leaders from others. Martin Gutmann’s TEDx Talk highlights qualities that can significantly impact a school’s success. By connecting Gutmann’s insights to our educational context, we can identify the key traits of effective school leaders.Hiring Tips for School Administrators
To avoid the trap of hiring the wrong candidate, school administrators should:
Look Beyond the Resume: Evaluate candidates based on their track record of preventing issues and achieving steady results, not just their ability to handle crises.
Assess Planning Skills: During interviews, ask candidates to detail their planning processes and how they prevent potential problems in their current or previous roles.
Value Quiet Leadership: Recognize and appreciate leaders who work effectively behind the scenes without seeking the spotlight.
Hiring the right school leaders involves recognizing and avoiding the "action fallacy." By valuing preventative planning, quiet efficiency, and a focus on results, schools can select leaders who will work to create a stable, productive, and positive school environment.