School leaders and interpersonal skills. (c2006)

Abstract

Leadership effectiveness has been strongly related to school development and the interpersonal skills of a leader. This project proposes a manual for school leaders focusing on the importance of interpersonal skills of leaders in creating and maintaining healthy and long lasting relationships characterized by congeniality and collegiality. The manual presents effective leaders as empathic and perspective-taking as well as supporting and forgeing emotional connection with their teachers and possessing cognitive skills that enable them to perceive matters from their teachers' point of view. The manual also emphasizes the role of leaders in listening to new teachers' concerns, assisting and helping them to overcome their frustrations and the challenges of the work. Finally, the manual presents a new kind of professional development which starts by developing the soul in increasing teachers' capabilities and developing effective teachers for the long term.