Effective Principals Find Their Leadership Edge

Finding Your Leadership Edge: Balancing Assertiveness and Compassion in Schools
By Brad Johnson and Jeremy Johnson
(Routledge/Eye On Education, 2024 – Learn more)

Reviewed by William R. Driscoll

In this thought-provoking work, the authors address a critical issue in contemporary educational leadership: the tension between assertiveness and compassion. Their analysis offers a nuanced exploration of this leadership duality, providing practical insights for school administrators seeking to enhance both their authority and emotional intelligence.

The book begins with a series of reflective exercises designed to help readers identify their leadership tendencies along the assertiveness-compassion spectrum. This self-assessment proves to be a valuable tool for personal reflection throughout the text. The authors present a compelling argument that effective educational leadership requires a delicate balance between fostering trust among staff and maintaining organizational accountability.

The opening chapter introduces the central concept of developing one’s “leadership edge” – a metaphor for the intersection of assertive decision-making and compassionate relationship-building. This framework emphasizes the importance of driving change and nurturing a positive school culture.

The authors posit that cultivating this leadership edge is a transformative process, involving continuous self-reflection and professional growth. They remind school leaders that “developing your leadership edge is not just about gaining self-knowledge; it’s about embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth as a leader.”

Contrasting leadership styles

The initial chapters provide a crucial foundation by examining the role of agreeableness in leadership and the potential pitfalls of extreme leadership styles. The authors present a nuanced analysis of how excessive passivity or aggression in school leadership can lead to significant challenges. They argue persuasively for a balanced approach that fosters collaboration while maintaining decisive action.

This work astutely observes that while most educational leaders employ a mix of strategies, individuals tend to gravitate toward a preferred mode of interaction within their school communities. The authors argue that truly effective leadership in education necessitates a recognition of schools as complex, dynamic systems. Such environments demand flexible, context-sensitive responses drawing upon a diverse skill set.

 Twin pillars of effective leadership

In my view, the core substance of this work lies in its exploration of assertiveness and compassion as twin pillars of effective leadership. The authors provide a thorough analysis of assertive leadership strategies, grounded by offering practical examples for the reader. Their discussion of compassionate leadership practices is particularly insightful, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and active listening. Overall, they present a compelling argument for the integration of both assertiveness and compassion in exemplary school leadership.

Chapters 8 and 9 explore how deploying the right blend of “autonomy and authority” can empower staff, address the needs of staff and faculty, navigate conflicts, and build the relationship-driven culture essential for academic success. The authors’ discussion of theories blended with first-hand accounts across organizations (businesses, hospitals, space exploration, and law), illustrates how balanced leadership is a powerful force for driving sustainable change across multiple sectors, not just in schools.

The Johnsons’ Finding Your Leadership Edge offers a compelling framework for educational leadership, grounded in the paradoxical nature of effective school administration. Their central thesis – that successful leadership requires a delicate balance of seemingly opposing qualities – resonates with the complex realities faced by principals and teacher leaders today. They assert that the creation of a harmonious school culture that empowers teachers ultimately improves student learning outcomes.

Actionable strategies

The book’s strength lies in its practical orientation. The authors provide actionable strategies and frameworks that leaders can readily apply in their daily practice. This pragmatic focus is particularly valuable in an era when the demands on school leaders are increasingly multifaceted and intense.

However, the text could benefit from a more robust engagement with diverse school contexts. While the principles outlined are broadly applicable, case studies illustrating their implementation across varied educational settings would enhance the book’s utility. Such examples could illuminate how these leadership strategies might be adapted to address the specific challenges of urban, rural, or suburban schools, or how they might be applied differently at elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Furthermore, while the authors draw upon current leadership scholarship, the absence of extensive footnotes and references limits the reader’s ability to delve deeper into the research underpinning their arguments. More comprehensive linkages would strengthen the book’s scholarly foundation and provide a valuable resource for readers who wish to explore these concepts further.

Essential reading

Despite these minor limitations, Finding Your Leadership Edge stands as an essential text for current and aspiring educational leaders. Its practical wisdom and actionable guidance offer a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of school leadership. Those who internalize and apply the book’s principles of balanced leadership will be well-positioned to effect positive change in their schools, supporting both staff development and student achievement.

In the current educational landscape, where leaders must simultaneously walk the tightrope of managing instructional improvement, organizational change, and community relations, the Johnsons’ work makes a timely and valuable contribution. It equips leaders with the tools to find their “leadership edge” – that critical balance point where seemingly contradictory leadership qualities converge to create transformative impact.

Dr. William R. Driscoll is the Dean of Faculty at Austin Preparatory School in Reading, MA and an Adjunct Professor at the Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Bill enjoys reading and writing about educational leadership, organizational theory, and innovative design for learning. He lives with his wife Christie in North Brookfield, Massachusetts.