Lessons from “Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan” by Daniel Bauer
As a principal transitioning into a new position, I searched for the literature on entry plans. I learned about “Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan” by Daniel Bauer.” The book walks us through developing an effective 90-day entry plan for a year of excitement, energy, and momentum.
Danny Bauer is a principal development and retention expert, the best-selling author of Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader and the Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap, and the host of two of the world’s most downloaded podcasts. Danny was a guest here at Wisdom & Productivity on September 16, 2021.
- Danny, how are you feeling?
- Please share with us the origin story of the book.
- Can you explain what an entry plan is and how it can help school principals achieve their goals?
- Why 90 days? Why is the plan never done?
- You challenge us to imagine what we want to see on the 91st day; tell us more.
- You encourage principals to eat a healthy meal every day, which can be taboo in many districts. Can you tell us more?
- You say the top performers know how to recuperate and rest; can you share about the Ruckus Maker Mindset Tool?
- You use the example of practicing the 85% rule on Olympic runner Carl Lewis. Can you share with us how principals can emulate the 85% rule as a tool to take care of themselves?
- You mention the importance of the powerful approach to defining your values. I was particularly impressed with the purple cow idea from Seth Godin; can you tell us more about it?
- Why principals should stay away from having an open-door policy? How can principals communicate this in a way conducive to positive outcomes?
- You share a blueprint on a “Get-to-Know-You Survey that I will surely steal for my new school. Can you share with the show’s listeners and viewers what this is about (purpose and expected outcomes)?
- The great idea is to use the results to follow up with teachers/staff on the 1:1 meetings. What should these meetings look like? How long should they be?
- The idea of writing the top 10 key concerns on index cards: tell us more.
- Why is showing that you care for the teachers/staff important?
- Why is it essential to be redundant in your communication?
- What is initiative fatigue and how to overcome it (example of “whac-a-mole”)?
- Can you share with us the four steps for Instructional Leadership?
- What are your recommendations for a principal who wants to do a “get-to-know-you survey for students?
- You suggest that principals drop in notes offering encouragement and positive feedback. Can you share some advice on when those positive notes ultimately have to provide feedback conducive to change? (the ones that ask people to change, especially considering evaluations)
- How can principals empower their teams?
- Why is it essential to measure intangibles gains?
- Can you share your thoughts on being present as a conduit to develop relationships better?
- Can you share your thoughts on practicing mindfulness? How can the principal do this during the school day?
- What is the difference between belonging and othering? Can you share the example in the book (example on page 47)?
- What are some celebrations we can have throughout the year?
- Should principals schedule email time during the school year? How to communicate this to staff in a way conducive to positive outcomes?
- Why is it important to delegate?
- Can you share about the resources and tools in the book?
