Managing an organization is the foundation of success.

Benjamin Franklin stated, “By

failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” To avoid failure, administrative leaders must

prepare and be prepared. To be successful, all details of an organization must be considered,

examined, and included in planning. Leaders must be organized in their planning, but flexible in

the execution of the plan.

Leaders must gather, analyze, manage, and use data to plan and make decisions as well as

to evaluate programs. Gathering data and information allows leaders to make informed

decisions. Great leaders align their decisions with their values and are able to communicate with

stakeholders the basis upon which decisions are made. Leaders must constantly analyze needs,

consider budgets and financial situations, and allocate personnel and resources to the areas

determined to be in greatest need.

Great leaders are able to delegate and empower others to collaborate in plan creation and

execution. Great leaders are only as good as those around them. Cultivating the capacity of

personnel is a necessary quality of a great leader. The ability to delegate and empower others

allows leaders to accomplish exponential achievements. Building relationships with staff is

fundamental in building the capacity of personnel.

Maintaining facilities also requires planning and management. Facilities budgets,

building and grounds personnel, and long-range plans must be managed by administration. A

well-prepared plan also accounts for unexpected situations. Administrative leaders must be

aware how facilities affect the achievement of students. Well maintained facilities allow a safe

and stable environment for teaching and learning to occur.

Technology has become an increasingly important factor in education. Administrative

leaders must be able to manage technology budgets, inventory, application, innovation, and
infrastructure. Leaders must be able to balance technology use with traditional learning and

guide the vision of the school.

Organizing and managing every system of a school is the direct responsibility of the

building leader and must be in harmonious balance with the vision of positively impacting

student achievement. Creating a plan, involving stakeholders, cultivating capacity, delegating to

others, and continuous involvement while allowing for flexibility when needed are necessary to

manage the organizational systems of a school.