The Principal's Field Manual: The School Principal as the Organizational Leader

List of Figures
Very Quick Reference
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
The Framing Model - Facets of Effectiveness
Two Fundamental Techniques
Less Quick Reference
Leadership
Communications
Dialog
Trust
Collaboration/Teamwork
Fire Fighting
Culture
Ten Rules/Guidelines for Leadership
Mission
Mission
Metrics
Organizational Values
Ten Guidelines/Rules for Mission
Strategy
Scenario Planning
Systems Thinking
Decision-Making / Problem-Solving
Ten Guidelines/Rules for Strategy
Organizational Structure
Project Management
Change
Conflict Management/Resolution
Policies, Procedures, and Professional Judgment
Competencies and Position Sketch
Ten Rules/Guidelines for Organizational Structure
People
Personal Values
Data, Information, Inferences
Managing Staff
Followership
Influence and Political Savvy
Ten Rules/Guidelines for People
Conclusion
Glossary
Appendix 1. Principal Responsibilities
Appendix 2. Operating Styles
Appendix 3. Project Charter Sample
Appendix 4. Capacity to Act Assessment
Appendix 5. Position Sketch
Appendix 6. Newmann's Model
Appendix 7. Decision Requirements Table
Appendix 8. Uncritical Inference Test
References
Index

William A. Sommers is currently the Learning Alternatives director and leadership coach for Spring Lake Park District 12 in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, consultant, and author. He is the former director of leadership & organizational development for Manor ISD in Texas, the former executive director for secondary curriculum and professional learning for Minneapolis Public Schools, and a school administrator for over 30 years. He has also been a Senior Fellow for the Urban Leadership Academy at the University of Minnesota. Sommers also has served as an adjunct faculty member at Texas State University, Hamline University, University of St. Thomas, St. Mary's University, Union Institute, and Capella University. Sommers was on the Board of Trustees for five years and past-president for the National Staff Development Council. He has been a presenter in preconferences and conference sessions for 12 consecutive years and continues to work as a senior consultant for NSDC. Since 1990, he has been an associate trainer for the Center for Cognitive Coaching based in Denver, Colorado. He has been a program director for an adolescent chemical dependency treatment center and on the board of a halfway house for 20 years. Sommers has co-authored seven books, Living on a Tightrope: A Survival Handbook for Principals, Becoming a Successful Principal: How to Ride the Wave of Change Without Drowning, Reflective Practice to Improve Schools, a Trainer's Companion, Energizing Staff Development Using Video Clips, Leading Professional Learning Communities, and Principal's Field Manual. He is currently working on Trainer's Companion for Habits of Mind (2009). In addition to writing many articles regarding coaching, assessment, and reflective thinking, he also does training in reflective practice, leadership, organizational development, conflict management, poverty, thinking skills, brain research, and classroom management. From 1970 to the present, he has been in K-12 education as a teacher and principal in urban, suburban, and rural schools. Sommers is a practitioner who integrates theory into the learning opportunities he facilitates.

"Leadership is partially about skill and personality, and a whole lot about values. This book takes all the elements of a leader's journey and provides useful tools for both day-to-day and long-term success. It is simple to use, easy to follow, and actionable."