The other day, I watched a snippet of a video with Jay Shetty talking about efficient vs. effective days. He mentioned how efficient days are those that you get to check things off of your to-do list. Washed AND folded clothes...check! Where as effective days "where you do important things, you may not do many things, but you do one things that makes a difference". This got me to thinking about how that looks in school leadership.
Efficient and effective leadership are both important qualities for school leaders, but they have distinct characteristics and goals. Efficient leaders excel in managing their time and resources. They prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and make the most of the available time. They focus on streamlining administrative processes and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy to increase productivity.
Efficient leaders use data to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and monitor progress. They know how to gather, analyze, and act upon relevant data. Delegation is a key skill for efficient leaders. They trust their team members, assign tasks according to strengths, and ensure that everyone's efforts contribute to the overall objectives. Efficient leaders communicate clearly and concisely, ensuring that information is disseminated efficiently to all stakeholders. They leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks, streamline communication, and improve administrative processes.
However, efficient leader can be overly focused on process and productivity to the detriment of the human element. They are seen as micromanagers, which can lead to decreased morale and hinder team productivity. You may find them with rigid adherence to established procedures without considering adaptability and innovation.
On the other hand, effective leaders inspire and motivate by setting a clear vision for the school's future and establishing meaningful goals. They build strong relationships with students, teachers, parents, and the community, showing empathy and understanding.
Effective leaders are flexible and open to change, adjusting their strategies in response to evolving educational needs and challenges. They lead by example, embodying the values and principles they expect from others, and motivating their team to achieve their best. Effective leaders excel in problem-solving, addressing challenges and conflicts with creativity and a solution-oriented mindset. They prioritize professional development for themselves and their team, always seeking ways to improve and innovate.
All in all, effective leadership is about inspiring, motivating, and building relationships, while efficient leadership is about optimizing processes and resources. An ideal school leader should strive for a balance between these two approaches, as both are crucial for the success of the school and the well-being of its students and staff. When I think about the principals I have had whether as a classroom teacher, coach, or assistant principal, I can easily tell you if they were more effective or efficient. As I grow in my own leadership style, I strive to have a good balance between the two in order to truly make a difference.
What areas are you working toward in order to be a more balanced leader? If you are currently more focused on the tasks, how can you grow in focusing on the people? If your vision isnt clear, how can you ensure you change that? I challenge you to do a little self reflecting and see where you stand. Do you even know your leadership style? Let's start there. Try taking a quiz to see what your leadership style is. Pay attention to your strenghts and weaknesses and work on continuous improvement.
