Judgment and Problem Analysis

Through my studies and professional work I have shown judgement and problem analysis competence by:

1. identifying the elements of a problem situation by analyzing relevant information, framing issues, identifying possible causes, and reframing possible solutions;
2. demonstrating adaptability and conceptual flexibility;
3. assisting others in forming opinions about problems and issues;
4. reaching logical conclusions by making quality, timely decisions based on available information;
5. identifying and giving priority to significant issues;
6. demonstrating an understanding of and utilize appropriate technology in problem analysis; and
7. demonstrating an understanding of different leadership and decision-making strategies, including but not limited to collaborative models and model appropriately their implementation

Reflection:

From my observations and through talking with current principals, any given day there can be decisions regarding personnel, behavior, discipline, budgeting, curriculum, instruction, the list seemingly never ends. Simple decisions to complex major decisions, the school and its stakeholders must rely on the principals prudent judgment to do what is best for the students. While some decisions can have clear solutions, others live in the grey area that must be navigated carefully in order to carefully analyze relevant information, consider the problem from different perspectives, understand the possible motivations, and make a quality, timely decision.

With the busyness of a principals day, it's important to first understand one's own strengths and weaknesses and then play on the strengths while being honest, open, and asking help with the weaknesses. The self-reflection I completed using Habits of Mind allowed me to realize my strengths of persistence and flexibility while I can work on not assuming that the communicating I am doing is explicitly clear. It's clear in my own thoughts, but I know I can do a better job of over-communicating when necessary and allowing for those to give me feedback and revisit discussion points when they find themselves missing an important component in what I was trying to convey for a message.

Finally, I learned that principals must be organized and understand the need to prioritize situations that arise. The principal I interviewed stressed that prioritization does not mean the same thing as procrastination. Instead, it means being aware of the expectations you have and timeline to get tasks completed and making sure that when time allots, those items that are lower are the priority list make their way up to be completed in a timely manner.