The Art and Science of Leading: What Effective Administrators Understand

(Paperback, Second Edition)

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Effective leadership reflects both art and science. Background, theory, and knowledge is the science. Appropriate and effective application is the art. Conceptual and practical, this concise, easy to understand book is an excellent resource. The intent of The Art and Science of Leading is to support those educators who work to realize the mission of education: to educate all children to become thoughtful, independent, successful, and happy adults, ones who make positive contributions to the well-being of their community, their country, and the world. It discusses the theory of leadership, includes beliefs and skills critical to effective leadership, and provides specific examples that illustrate the practical, real-life applications of those theories, beliefs, and skills. Institutions and individuals with an interest in planning, group dynamics, and leadership, both inside and outside the field of education, will find The Art and Science of Leading to be highly valuable, including incumbent administrators, college professors, and districts with leadership development programs. This book will stimulate thought and discussion while providing specific, helpful tips for current and future leaders.

Reviews

In his compact handbook, The Art and Science of Leading, Peter Lorain has captured the kernels of school leadership with clarity and brevity. Mr. Lorain eschews the gimmicks and balances the theoretical in favor of the practical...the specific knowledge, attributes, and skills inherent in the successful educational leader. Indeed, he identifies the dispositions and behaviors required of any leader who expects others to follow. Then, going beyond just a list of ingredients for leadership success, Mr. Lorain provides context, meaning, and examples of his leadership tenants and behaviors through illustrative stories and real-life applications, or in some cases misapplications. From the first few pages of this book, all of the articulated leadership nuggets and clarifying word illustrations are deftly synthesized into a big picture of how the whole of the mission is interconnected and interdependent on the whole of the environment and the whole of the leader. With this books succinctness and practicality, I have found no better resource to use in the supervision of principal and program administrator candidates at Central Washington University. Additionally, any leader who seeks continued personal and professional growth should consider revisiting a page or a story in this book daily. -- Roger L. Close, Intern Supervisor, Central Washington University
Being a school leader is demanding, time consuming, and in some cases thankless. There are many reasons a person decides to take on a leadership role including the joy and personal rewards of making a real difference. When an individual decides to make the important decision to become an administrator, to lead, the person must enter into the journey with an open heart, the support of others, and the ability set a vision. What I have learned from Pete Lorain is that the leadership journey must start with a trusted mentor, one who can and will provide critical feedback, realistic solutions, and an endearing sense of support when things seem to weigh you down. The Art and Science of Leading is a true guide for a current or emerging leader. Use his advice to foster a great school climate and to increase your knowledge on setting a vision. Listen to his wisdom on how critical it is to be able to make decisions, including key decision makers in that decision. Every great leader needs great advice and insights. The Art and Science of Leading will help leaders become ones who truly make a difference for his or her school, staff and for students. -- Jack Berckemeyer, Educator, Businessman and Owner: Nuts and Bolts - Middle School Professional Development School Improvement Consultant and Keynote Speaker
Pete is a leader who knows how to lead other leaders. He served as my mentor when I was a teacher and I learned from him because he knew philosophically and practically what it meant to be an administrator. This is evident in his book(s) where he explains in a clear and concise way what goes into being a strong, focused and decisive leader. Every aspiring administrator and those already serving in an administrative roles should read and reread the principles that Pete has laid out to make them an exemplary leader. -- Karen Twain, Assistant Superintendent, Tigard-Tualatin School District, Oregon
In the constantly changing landscape of American education, one thing that has not fluctuated at all has been the need for outstanding leadership. I have noticed in my leadership roles from principal to superintendent that there is nothing that replaces good judgment in the development of exceptional leaders. Pete Lorain in The Art and Science of Leading paints a great picture of leadership in action and those collective processes (judgments) leaders engage in to invoke their role as leaders. I have yet to read a better depiction of real life leadership in action and his portrayal of how everything does affect everything. This is not a typical textbook but rather a story about leadership, one in which you cannot help but place yourself in the many reality based scenarios. Whether you are an experienced administrator or in the onset of educational leadership, The Art and Science of Leading will provide one not only the background but also the insight into what exemplary leadership looks like in action. -- Ed Vittadi, principal, Saint Albert the Great Catholic School, former principal and former superintendent, North Royalton School District, Ohio
Pete Lorains The Art and Science of Leading covers the role and function of effective educational leadership from the classroom to the district office and beyond. The book represents the best thinking and practices of leadership. The work is unique in that it explains the different styles of leadership in addition to the structures of management, and the decision making process. A model for analysis of leadership problems is also included. It is a one-stop shopping center for information and need to-know steps for an individual to become an effective leader. The author presents an A to Z philosophical to application perspective, for the various functions of leadership. Examples are used from the authors extensive background in educational leadership having been a teacher leader, building and district level administrator, president and board member of a national association. This publication is an excellent resource for a college or university class in school administration, as well as a leadership training academy for district or association leadership training. -- Santo H. Pino, past president and former Interim Director of Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE formerly National Middle School Association).
The Art and Science of Leading is a valuable resource for all practicing and aspiring educational leaders. This succinct and well-written book provides an insightful examination of the key aspects of leadership while providing readers with concrete examples of behaviors that exemplify visionary and productive educational leadership. Chapters focus on important topics such as the definition and beliefs of educational leadership, decision-making, the elements of effective leadership, and the interaction of these and related topics. The rich and extensive leadership experience of the author and the educational leadership knowledge base are reflected in the book. Suggestions and recommendation for being a wise, productive, and effective leader abound. This manual should be a part of every educational leaders professional library. -- C. Kenneth McEwin, professor emeritus, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
As a superintendent of schools and associate professor of education in leadership, I have read many books on leadership. However, The Art and Science of Leading hits the core. Pete Lorain uses his personal and professional experiences as a highly successful site and district educational leader to craft a clear and meaningful message on what it takes to be truly effective. The author addresses the complexities and interrelationships that combine to build an individuals capacity to lead. The book grabs your attention by focusing on the practical aspects of daily leadership. You will immediately find yourself doing a self-assessment as you breeze through the pages of this extraordinary leadership analysis. Pete Lorain hits a homerun by sharing with his audience common sense techniques and strategies that worked for him in leading people to places they are unable or unwilling to go on their own. This is a must read for new, aspiring and experienced 21st century school leaders taking their organizations to the next level. -- Marc Ecker, Ph.D., superintendent, Fountain Valley School District, adjunct professor, California State University, Fullerton, Educational Leadership, president, Association of California School Administrators, 2013-14, former president, AMLE
Taking a fresh approach, Pete Lorain offers his remarkably insightful and holistic view of educational leadership. In this impressive and highly accessible book, he explains the multifaceted nature of leadership, provides vivid examples, and shares his honest and sage advice in a straightforward yet humble manner. Anyone engaged or interested in the development of leadership will treasure this book because it lays out clearly the central principles of being a leader in an informative, convincing, and sincere manner. -- Micki M. Caskey, PhD, professor, Graduate School of Education, Portland State University; co-series editor, The Handbook of Resources in Middle Level Education

Author Bio

Pete Lorain has been a student of leadership and been in many leadership positions, both formal and informal. He has held many positions in education: high school teacher, counselor, and vice principal; middle school principal; district director of high schools and middle schools; and Human Resources Director. Pete has worked with schools, districts, and state and national associations in school improvement, strategic planning, personnel, and all aspect of middle school education. He is a past president of Association for Middle Level Education and as AMLE Transition Chair Pete conducted two executive director searches.