Being a good listener is a critical skill for an administrator. This is a key personality trait since everyone plays a role in the success of an organization. The administrator must establish a culture where employees feel they are being heard and feel they are making a difference.
Excellent communication is a pivotal skill for a leader since everyone in the department and those impacted by the project must understand the purpose and execution of the work from beginning to end. After all, the department is serving people in our school system and those who we are serving can provide input on how we can better help them. It is also crucial that we communicate effectively with the members of our team, so everyone is working towards the same common goal. Even those who are not directly working on a project can offer suggestions and possible pitfalls from their perspective.
As a leader, we must be able to harvest the talents of our people. We need to establish a work environment where people are willing to take risks. The way this can be achieved is through building relationships and trust with the people in our department and the people we serve.
As an administrator, we also must have excellent discernment. A leader must be able to make decisions based on the projects/departments/school system’s vision.
It is important that an administrator never stop learning. We must continue to learn so that we stay up-to-date with the latest trends in our field. We also need to continue to learn how to be an even better leader. In order to do this, we can read (journals, blogs, professional social media, etc.), attend conferences/webinars, and exchange ideas with others in our field. Especially in our roles as an educational leader, it is important to the people we served to respect us as being knowledgeable in the field. Learning enables me to be confident in what I know, and I can inspire others with what I have learned.
Utilizing resources effectively is another role of an administrator. This includes capital and human resources. Resources can be wasted if what we purchase is not aligned with our vision. We need to cultivate the talent of our people, delegate the work, and trust in them to complete it. Clear communication of expectations will support staff in completing the work successfully.
As an administrator, holding employees accountable is a necessary part of the job. As a leader, I provide training and support in order to improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of my staff. It is also my role to work with individuals who are not the best fit for their current position and help guide them to a role that better matches their skill set.
Honesty and integrity should be the heart of any leader and without it, it is impossible to build trust. People have a hard time working with someone they do not respect.
One of my greatest attributes is my passion and dedication to my work. Being enthusiastic about what you do is contagious and supports a positive work environment. Building a positive climate is designated by the leader.
