Newly appointed school administrators are often confused when faced with the prospect of having to assume a leadership role in a complex organization like a school or school system. Where does one start? An effective method would be to systematically examine the vital components that make up an organization. A system of organizational diagnosis and prescription will lead to a comprehensive and integrated analysis of the organization's strengths and weaknesses and point the way toward possible improvement. The new edition of Educational Administration: Leading with Mind and Heart suggests such a sequential and systematic approach. Utilizing it effectively can produce dramatic results.
Robert H. Palestini has been an educator for almost fifty years, serving as a high school science teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, and university dean. He is currently dean emeritus and professor of educational leadership, as well as the founding executive director of the Educational Leadership Institute and Center for Catholic Urban Education at Saint Joseph's University.
Chapter 1 Organizational Structure in SchoolsChapter 2 School CultureChapter 3 Organizational LeadershipChapter 4 Motivating and Rewarding IndividualsChapter 5 Effective CommunicationChapter 6 Conflict ManagementChapter 7 The Strategic Planning ProcessChapter 8 Effective Decision MakingChapter 9 Power and the Negotiations ProcessChapter 10 The Change ProcessChapter 11 Leading With HeartChapter 12 Organizational Diagnosis
Dr. Palestini's new edition of Educational Administration: Leading with Mind and Heart explores the need for leaders to develop a leadership framework on both practical and theoretical levels. By examining the important components of an organization like a school or school system, leaders and aspiring leaders are able to identify its strengths and weaknesses on the way to implementing the changes needed for improvement. This book will be fascinating as well as reflective reading for today's leaders and provide a great springboard for discussion in leadership groups. I look forward to using Dr. Palestini's book with my administrative team as a tool for examining our own organizational development and leadership qualities.