What can schools learn from the business sector? Actually, they can learn quite a bit. In fact, this book should be required reading for any administrator seeking to improve their school. More often than not, schools are staffed by mediocre "managers," lacking crucial leadership skills and a vision.Worst yet, they make grave mistakes by implementing impetuous initiatives/policies, resulting in poor student achievement, and/or a creating a toxic work environment. Although I don't agree that schools should be solely operated using a business model; I do agree that some of the ideas that come with running a successful enterprise can be extremely valuable in education. Below are the five key business principles presented in this book:
- Make it your own
- Everything matters
- Surprise and delight
- Embrace resistance
- Leave your mark
"...to conduct business means truly turning employees into partners - shareholders with a stake in the outcome of the company."How many administrators truly turn their teachers and staff into partners, awarding them ownership and empowerment?
Joseph A. Michelli is the founder of Lessons for Success, a training, consulting, and keynote presentation company.
