Indigenous Principals' Academy - 4 Roles of Great Principals'

Most of today's problems in education fall into these four categories:

1. Low Trust
2. No clear purpose, vision, or strategy
3. Bureeaucratic, misalinged systems
4. Underutilized talent and potential

The Principals Academy addresses these four problems by first recognizing we are all human beings.

Whole-Person Paradigm

The Whole-Person Paradigm recognizes that human beings are not things that must be motivated and controlled. Instead, people are four-dimensional—body, mind, heart, and spirit.

When people feel neglected in any of the four dimensions, they find it difficult to engage fully. However, when all four dimensions are acknowledged and nourished, people are empowered to work at their full potential. Empowering others is the job of great leaders demonstrated by both character and competence. Their credibility is established, but credibility alone doesn’t inspire trust. 

The Principals Academy shares a proven and effective process using the following outline:

Role 1: Modeling is the foundation for everything that follows. Modeling inspires trust. Great leaders are good examples. They know that leadership begins from the inside out. 

Role 2: Pathfinding provides direction for everything that follows. Pathfinding creates order without demanding it. Great leaders look ahead. They build a shared vision that encompasses the whole person—body, heart, mind, and spirit—and engages staff, students, and stakeholders. 

Role 3: Aligning puts the vision into action. Aligning supports the vision. Great leaders align the school’s systems to the vision so that it can be achieved. 

Role 4: Empowering is the fruit of the other three roles.  Empowering unleashes human potential without external motivation. Great leaders empower others. They clear the path so that others can do their best work. 

The Principals Academy is delivered by an experienced Guide/Instructor with diverse knowledge within the Education system:

David George is an experienced Coach and Consultant who has served as a public school educator for 39 years, the last 20 as Principal. David is also a certified Coach and Consultant and has supported a multitude of schools in the public, private and  Indigenous communities throughout Canada, implementing a variety of programs for staff and students.

Being a Consultant/Coach provides David an opportunity to pursue his passion for education, leadership, and learning, using his experience to provide credibility and authenticity. In his role as a consultant, David has “found his voice” in working with educators and students, helping them to reach their potential through universal principles and applying effective processes. 

David lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada and has been married to Lorie for 47 years, They have three children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Join David on a journey to explore the 4 Roles of Great Principals' and become a confident leader personally and professionally.