by Vince Cascone
Research shows that poor management is among the top reasons why employees leave their jobs. Having a poor leader is the cause of countless unhappy employees and many underperforming and unsuccessful organizations. According to Gallup research:
• 1 in 10 people possess the talent to lead.
• 82% of managers didn’t receive any leadership training before taking on their roles.
• Workers supported by their managers are 53% more engaged.
• Only 31% of leaders are engaged in their workplace.
• Only 29% of employees trust their team leader.
• 28% of employees quit due to a poor relationship with their manager.
In short, leadership matters! That being said, the school leaders in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas have a profound effect on the Catholic education of our 14,000 students. Our school leaders are tasked with nothing less than serving as spiritual, educational and managerial leaders responsible for upholding the Catholic mission, cultivating faith-based school culture and ensuring academic excellence.
Key tasks for our school leaders include leading religious activities, managing staff, overseeing curriculum and safety, handling budgetary responsibilities and fostering relationships with parents, parishes and the archdiocese (just to name a few). Being able to complete all of these responsibilities successfully directly correlates to students being successful.
In an article published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), research shows that “students in a school with an above-average principal get the benefit of almost three more months of learning every year than they would in a school led by a below-average principal.” If we add in how an effective principal can positively impact a student’s faith development, social/ emotional growth, etc., we see how valuable Catholic school leaders are for our schools.
In what is my last Leaven article as the superintendent of schools for the archdiocese, I want to give a big shout-out to our school leaders. Although they complete master’s programs in educational leadership and attend many conferences and workshops, nothing truly prepares you for all of the things a principal faces.
In my seven years as superintendent, I have worked closely with our school leaders through a pandemic when they heroically kept our schools open, as well as through various tragedies. But I have also had the privilege of seeing the love they have for the students and the commitment they have for the students’ success.
In a world where effective leadership is in short supply, we have many dedicated leaders in our Catholic schools.
