If you have conquered the generic factors of leadership that are taught in classes and written about in articles and haven’t felt all the success you would like, it may be time to turn to the intangibles of leadership, according to Dudley Flood, a frequent speaker at Partnership activities. He offered his suggestions today during an Assembly Session entitled, “Examining the Intangibles of Leadership.”

“Over the years we have seen 12 to 14 intangibles demonstrated by great leaders,” Flood told the principals. “Many are specific to the school environment. The fact is you learn these skills. No one is born with leadership talent; you learn all leadership skills.”

Among those intangible factors, Flood urged the principals to learn how to be compatible with diverse populations because they serve a diverse population that they probably didn’t select. Leaders must invite participation, he said.

It’s also essential for great school leaders to have a sense about selecting people for teaching. You must go beyond holding an interview and looking at a resume and track records.

“Successful principals have to have a good instinct for identifying people who can grow into the environment that is there for them,” he said. “A lot of success in teaching results in people being compatible with their environment, and those selecting teachers have to envision the person’s potential for developing.”

A third intangible is integrity.

“Teachers expect their leaders to exercise integrity and fairness, and good leaders must be able to measure themselves in those areas,” Flood said. “Are you aware how people view you and have you decided how you want to be viewed? It’s nice to have someone around you who gives you feedback, but you have to create the environment for that process to work. Remember… bad news can save your career.”

Flood also urged principals to model their expectations.

“While you will obviously write down and preach your expectations, you must also demonstrate them. In many places, you aren’t permitted to have a dress code, but you can model appropriate dress. If you don’t want teachers to shout at students, then you shouldn’t shout at people.”

Flood provided the session participants with a discussion activity leading to the examination of their personal traits and qualities.

He can be contacted at [email protected].