Quiz: What Kind of School Administrator Are You?

School leaders are tasked with many responsibilities, from managing staff to balancing budgets to occasionally being sunk in a dunk tank.

Under the weight of many different responsibilities, school administrators can sometimes worry about their effectiveness or whether they’re really cut out for the job.

Rather than worry whether you’re a “good” administrator, focus instead on the strengths that you bring to your position. When your administrator strengths align with your school’s needs, you will make a difference. 

This begs the question: what are your strengths as an administrator, and what kind of administrator are you? Take our quiz to find out, then keep reading to learn what your results mean.

Discovering your strengths

Recently, at The National Institute, our summer professional learning event, we asked educators to identify the qualities that make someone a good administrator. Based on their answers, we identified several broad categories of skills and strengths that effective administrators possess. From there, we devised five administrator personality profiles that correlate to these categories and can help you identify your greatest strengths.

Each administrator personality profile can fulfill a specific need within a school community, and one isn’t better than the other. Let's explore the profiles and see what your quiz results say about you!

1. The relationship builder

This type of school administrator excels in interpersonal skills and building strong relationships. They create a positive school culture where everyone feels valued and heard. Their approachability and empathy foster a supportive environment for both staff and students.

Strengths:

• Relationship builders create a positive school atmosphere.
• They mediate conflicts effectively.
• This profile excels at building strong teams and fostering collaboration.
   

2. The visionary

These school administrators are masters of the big picture. They excel in leadership and decision-making, always keeping the school's long-term goals in mind. Their analytical skills and strategic thinking drive school improvement and performance.

Strengths:

• Visionaries excel at long-term planning and goal setting.
• They rely on data to drive their decision-making.
• This profile deftly aligns school initiatives with district objectives.

3. The communicator

Communication is the superpower of this type of school administrator. They excel in listening, facilitating dialogues, and ensuring all voices are heard. Their open-door policy and transparent communication style create an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Strengths:

• Communicators facilitate productive meetings and discussions.
• They clearly convey expectations and feedback.
• This profile enjoys gathering and integrating diverse perspectives.

4. The social butterfly

These school administrators are known for their visibility and hands-on approach. They're often seen in hallways, classrooms, and school events, actively participating in the daily life of the school. Their engagement creates a sense of community and shared purpose.

Strengths:

• Social butterflies build strong connections with students and staff.
• They quickly identify and address issues.
• This profile is known for leading by example and being approachable.

5. The advocate

This type of school administrator keeps the focus firmly on what matters most: teaching and learning. They are dedicated to supporting teacher growth and student achievement, always considering the classroom impact of their decisions.

Strengths:

• Advocates prioritize instructional leadership.
• They support professional development tailored to teacher needs.
• This profile excels at advocating for resources that directly benefit students.

Finding your leadership style

As a school administrator, you might identify strongly with one of these types or see a bit of yourself in each. The reality is that effective school leadership often requires a blend of these qualities, adapting to the needs of your specific school community.

Leveraging your strengths, developing new skills

Once you've identified your primary leadership style, you can start to leverage your natural strengths more effectively. Are you a natural relationship builder? Use those skills to foster a more collaborative school culture. Are you a strategic Leader? Apply your analytical skills to tackle complex challenges facing your school.

At the same time, identifying your leadership type can highlight areas for growth. If you're not naturally an engaged presence, you might make a conscious effort to be more visible in your school. If communication isn't your strong suit, you might seek out professional development opportunities to enhance these skills. 

If you find yourself struggling in your current role, identifying your strengths and reflecting on growth opportunities can help you better meet the needs of your building and community—which, in turn, can boost your job satisfaction.

Your journey

Remember, being a school administrator is a journey of continuous growth, resilience, and learning. Your leadership style may evolve as you gain experience and face new challenges. The key is to remain reflective, adaptable, and committed to your own growth as much as you are to the growth of your students and staff.

By understanding your leadership style, you can become a more effective school administrator, better equipped to choose the right “hat” for the right occasion. Your school community will thank you for it.

Learn more about leveraging your strengths as a school administrator. Contact our district impact services team to clarify your vision for your school, improve your leadership capacity, and improve your student outcomes.