Daniel Brown – Principal Emmanuel and Josiah Colleges
What have been the most rewarding aspects of being a principal?
My motivation and purpose for principalship was always about young people, so I maintain this as a core aspect of my role and having contact and impact directly with the students has been key. It is these experiences that are the most rewarding in the job – even the casual interactions and conversations around the campus.
How do you continue to grow as a leader while managing the demands of the role?
This is a tough one for me and one I admit I am yet to master. Particularly when things “kick off” your focus and discipline all moves to the issue at hand. Motivation always comes in waves, but it is discipline that will serve you well in keeping a commitment to continued growth and development. Having sacrosanct time carved out it key and ask your PA to help you stay accountable!
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before becoming a principal?
I think I underestimated the importance of the Board relationship and the business manager. Also the triangle of the Principal, Business Manager and Chair. I am very blessed with a superb Board, Chair and BM, but I see many of my colleagues who face challenges in this space. You must do your homework as you engage in application and in the finer stages of appointment. Ensure there is a fit for you and you have confidence in these critical relationships.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to principalship?
Whilst every principal will have their own perspective, when I reflect on what has been most beneficial to me in my journey to principalship (which began with an aspiration at age 14) has been:
- The opportunity to work in five schools in different states and in different perspectives. I think these varied experiences really shaped my experience and perspective. Specific to this, I was prepared to move and take risks and some of these posts in different schools have been the most valuable.
- Engaging with a range of principals from early in my career as mentors to shape my leadership and thinking has been highly valuable
- Don’t be in a rush – I reflect that I was early on and being prepared to “let it happen” was actually the best thing
- My many years in boarding as a leader was probably the toughest and hardest, but also the most rewarding and whilst boarding isn’t a prerequisite for Principalship, the experience really helped me, particularly when dealing with the tough stuff.
