Walk the Talk
The principals of Breakthrough High Schools (BTHS), like any group of principals, have a variety of leadership techniques for gathering the support of their colleagues during the complicated work of implementing new reform strategies at their schools. They share some personal leadership qualities, however, that seem to promote success across the board. First, in framing a vision for their schools, each principal was driven by deeply rooted care and concern for each of their students. Second, the principals had the ability to empathize with staff members when sharing the leadership for the vision; by their willingness and ability to understand the various viewpoints of others, the principals demonstrated an uncommonly high level of self-confidence. Third, implementing the strategies required them to become strong salespersons—initially for their ideas, but eventually for a collaboratively created vision for their school. Fourth, they had a strong work ethic and an almost-stubborn determination to succeed while maintaining a sense of calm and order in the face of often-bitter conflict.