The Path to School Leadership: A Portable Mentor

by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal

Two best-selling authors have written a lively dialogue between a seasoned veteran and a new administrator. This quick-reading but thoughtful book helps school leaders understand troublesome situations, anticipate trouble before it arises, and develop more comprehensive and powerful strategies for leadership.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803960522
• ISBN13: 9780803960527
• Release Date: December 1992
• Publisher: Corwin Publishers
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Realistic Insights

The Path to School Leadership is an excellent resource for beginning administrators. Bolman and Deal educate readers by allowing them to experience the job of principalship along with a first year principal. This easy to read book provides insights on how to effectively use the art of communication to address problems and the authors present these strategies without overwhelming the readers. In addressing problems, Bolman and Deal remind us that no man is an island and leadership is only strengthen through collaboration. The stimulating presentation captured and held this reader's attention while continuously disseminating practical implications for discovering solutions to problems from a variety of reference points. Path to School Leadership is an outstanding handy guide that is an indispensable tool. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and it will become a permanent part of my professional library.

insights on path to school leadership

What I initially considered just another graduate school reading assignment turned out to be an informative and enjoyable adventure with Jaime Rodriguez, a first year principal. This is a MUST READ book for any new administrator. Although only 64 pages in length, the journey and insights of Jaime Rodriguez and Dr. Brenda Connors, the experienced administrator, were quite inspirational. Their thoughts and actions opened many doors to the possible encounters with power struggles and how to deal with other troubling areas in the hopes of beoming an effective administrator. As Jaime Rodriguez stated, all educators have a common spiritual mission that bonds us. Education is all about believing in our students. After all, they are the future.

"The Portable Mentor"

This book is a "must-have" for every aspiring or novice school site administrator. The dialogue shared between the principals offered valuable insight into what could or would possibly go wrong...or right on the job. Bolman and Deal reveal critical information regarding moving in and about the frames (political, human, structural and symbolic). It causes an aspirant to this position to realize that one must be able to function in each of these frames. This appropriately titled book is one that will travel with me as I embark on my journey as an administrator.

A Path to School Leadership

Bolman and Deal makes up an awesome team. I have enjoyed every book they have written. The last book I read by them Reframing Organizations was enjoyable, yet very structured. This book is short, fun and easy reading. It explicitly explains the four frames. It is one of the most comprehensible books I have read. Yet the information presented is powerful. I view the material in it as pivotal tools that should be used as a guide for principles, aspiring principles as well as persons in any leadership role. It motivates and empowers its readers. As an aspiring principal I certainly enjoyed the necessity it placed on principal mentors. As I embark upon, my new career, this book will voyage with me.

The Path to School Leadership A Portable Mentor

I found this book very reader friendly. The various situations that confronted a first year principal gave me more insight as to what to expect in my own future endeavors. This book also revealed the necessity for principal mentors, a program that should be incorporated into all educational systems. The content also reveals the necessity to view situations in many perspectives, using examples that an educator can relate to. The four frames commonly used among leaders are easily explained through various situations. Reading this book helped me to realize the importance of reflecting on situations and obtaining insight from those who have been through similar situations. I would recommend that all educators keep this book handy, as it offers a guide (signposts) for effective leadership.