Mission-Driven Leadership: Understanding the Challenges Facing Schools Today

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The leadership skills and behaviors that may have worked for school leaders in the past are no longer adequate to meet the expectations of todays school communities. With a focus on the leader as a builder of teams committed to accomplishing the primary mission of the school, Mission Driven Leadership provides the reader with specific, actionable, daily behaviors that build trust and capacity with all stakeholders. High Impact leaders in todays schools must be more than skilled managers or instructional leaders; they must be interpersonal skill experts committed to building teams and focusing the organization on a common mission. Mission Driven Leadership examines ten (10) specific leadership behaviors that, when implemented with fidelity on a regular basis, will have a profound positive impact on the school culture and climate. These are the leadership attributes that successful 21st century school leaders utilize.

Reviews

In Mission Driven Leadership: Understanding the Challenges Facing Schools Today Dr. Christopher Colwell reminds us that leadership does indeed matter, and interpersonal skills matter most! High impact leadership requires personal awareness and relationship building those interpersonal skills are critical competencies for effective 21st Century educational leadership. Mission Driven Leadership is a how-to book in which Colwell explains how leaders can establish a set of behaviors that, when implemented with fidelity on a daily basis, will support the development of interpersonal skills. A must read for current and aspiring educational leaders alike! -- Christie Sweeney, associate professor of educational leadership, Plymouth State University
Dr. Colwell has meticulously examined and outlined the skills and behaviors necessary to be a high impact school leader in the 21st Century. I highly recommend this book for all practicing school leaders! -- Dr. Denver J. Fowler, assistant professor, educational leadership & policy studies, College of Education, California State University, Sacramento
Dr. Chris Colwell delivers an important message that is compelling, relevant and game-changing for all educational leaders. Mission Driven Leadership: Understanding the Challenges Facing Schools Today sharpens ones focus to prioritize responsibilities in a methodical way that builds teamwork and relationships that matter for students. Mission Driven Leadership provides a practical approach for a novice leader as well as a veteran leader, at the school or district level, to obtain peak performance from all of the significant adults in the learning organization. I applaud and respect Dr. Chris Colwells innovative and data based approach toward building a culture of contemporary High Impact Leadership. -- James Tager, superintendent, Flagler County Schools
Colwells Mission Driven Leadership offers a thoughtful explanation of how and why the school leader has become the most powerful driver for influencing and sustaining cultures of success for all stakeholders. Colwellguides the reader through a persuasive analysis of why high impact administrators must be committed to a mission, build authentic and collaborative teams, and develop pathways of expertise and innovation throughout the organization. He closes each chapter with practical strategies to achieve these goals entitled: Today is a Good Day to.... I suggest that,for emerging and experienced administrators alike, Today is a Good Day to read Mission Driven Leadership. -- Lesley Sileo, principal, Seminole County Public Schools

Author Bio

Chris Colwell is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Education at Stetson University. His 40 year career includes serving as a principal at all levels of P-12 education. Prior to joining Stetson, Chris was recognized as the Florida Principal of the Year and served as President of the Florida Organization of Instructional leaders.