There are numerous things you can do to be a good leader at work, whether you are just starting in education or are already in a leadership position. Certain behaviors must be implemented if you want to be the boss that everyone wants to recruit or work for. Here are a few expert-recommended techniques for being a successful education leader:

1. Leave your phone at home.

In any meeting, whether with a parent, teacher or administrator, do not use your phone. Even if you are taking notes on your phone or reviewing an email with meeting material, this can be regarded as disrespectful or inattentive. Switch to pen and paper, and print or write down any information from your computer that you require ahead of time. This demonstrates that you have planned ahead of time for the meeting and are fully present and involved.

2. Lock the door.

While many school leaders believe that an open-door policy is desirable, it can lead to frequent interruptions and make it impossible to complete any job. Instead, set aside an hour or two each day for office hours where anyone is welcome to drop in. Schedule one-on-one sessions as well to keep communication flowing.

3. Recognize your flaws

Great leaders own their mistakes and accept responsibility for them. They also recognize when something isn’t working and are humble enough to say it so that they may change for and better.

4. You are not required to be everyone’s friend.

A good leader should be pleasant, but he or she does not need to be loved by everyone. It is impossible for every learner, instructor, and faculty member to be like you. Concentrate on being a competent leader rather than a friend. When given the option, choose to do the best job you can over being the most popular person at work, even if it means upsetting some people.

5. Manifest your vulnerability

This is related to recognizing mistakes. Great leaders are not without flaws. There is strength in admitting one’s flaws and accepting responsibility for one’s blunders. Setting this instance encourages team members to admit their mistakes as well, resulting in a less stressful, more productive setting.

6. Pay attention

A good listener is an excellent leader. Before making a conclusion, listen to everyone without passing judgment and hear all sides of an argument or all options. Keep an open mind to new ideas from unexpected places, because you never know where positive change will come from.

7. Maintain your cool and carry on.

In a crisis, good leaders maintain their cool while demonstrating that they realize the gravity of the situation. Whether it’s a disciplinary issue like a brawl or something more serious like a school shooting, a good educational leader should have a strategy in place and react calmly but seriously.

8. Strengthen your team

Take the time to learn about your team’s strengths, shortcomings, and ambitions. Provide feedback, both positive and negative, in a constructive and motivating manner.

9. Be enthusiastic.

It will be obvious if you are not enthusiastic about your school, its students, or its employees. Not only will your school be unhappy, but you will be as well. If you are dissatisfied with your current situation, you may want to consider attending a different school, changing jobs, or entering a different sector entirely. Most people in the education sector are driven by passion, and if you don’t have it, it may make your day – and your life – really drag by.

10. Encourage imagination.

The traditional manner of doing things is not always the best approach. Encourage innovation and a think-outside-the-box mindset on campus to solve challenges and set new goals.

Whether you are looking for a higher position in education or are currently a supervisor at some level, these recommendations will help you become a more successful leader and a better boss. Even implementing a couple of these guidelines can have a significant impact on your work environment or attitude toward work. Positive change in your workplace begins with you, as a leader.