One of the more complicated things I had to navigate as a new principal was working with my assistant principals. I had been one of them prior to getting the position, so being one with them was a challenge. If you are new to your role, or new to your school, as the principal you will need to lean into those assistant principals for support, navigation, guidance, and insight. You will also need to invest in relationship and trust building for the team to really be effective.

As a principal, your relationship with your assistant principals (APs) is crucial to the success of your school. Strong collaboration, mutual trust, and clear expectations can make all the difference in how effectively you lead together. As I continue to research and study effective leadership teams, I have uncovered a few gems that really make an impact on setting the team up for success. So, this week I am sharing a few practical steps for building Relationships, establishing trust, and setting clear working expectations with your APs.

1. Start with Open Communication

Strong relationships are built on open and honest communication. From the start, prioritize transparency and regular dialogue.

How to Get Started:

• Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with your APs. These meetings should be consistent and focused on both professional goals and personal connections.
• Share your leadership philosophy and encourage your APs to do the same. Understanding each other’s perspectives and leadership styles creates a foundation for trust.
• Be approachable and available. Let your APs know they can come to you with questions, concerns, or ideas, fostering a culture of open communication.

Tip: Active listening is key. Make sure your APs feel heard and valued in every conversation.

2. Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities

One common challenge in school leadership teams is unclear or overlapping roles. By setting clear expectations for each AP’s responsibilities, you can avoid confusion and ensure a smooth working relationship.

How to Get Started:

• Clearly define the areas each AP will oversee (e.g., discipline, curriculum, staff development) and document these responsibilities.
• Discuss boundaries and decision-making authority. Clarify which decisions can be made independently and which require collaboration.
• Align your team’s efforts with school goals. Ensure that each AP’s responsibilities support the broader vision and strategic plan for the school.

Tip: Revisit roles and responsibilities periodically, especially when priorities shift or new challenges arise.

3. Foster a Collaborative Team Culture

Building a culture of teamwork and collaboration is essential for a high-functioning leadership team. As the principal, it’s your role to model and promote a spirit of partnership.

How to Get Started:

• Encourage joint problem-solving. When challenges arise, involve your APs in brainstorming solutions and making decisions together.
• Create opportunities for your leadership team to work collaboratively on projects or initiatives. Shared successes help strengthen bonds.
• Cultivate a supportive environment where your APs feel comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks, and learning from mistakes.

Tip: Celebrate successes as a team, and ensure credit is shared for wins and accomplishments.

4. Invest in Trust-Building Activities

Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. Taking time to build trust with your APs will pay dividends in how effectively you work together.

How to Get Started:

• Get to know your APs on a personal level. Take time to understand their motivations, strengths, and areas for Growth.
• Be consistent and reliable. Trust is built when you follow through on commitments and maintain a steady presence as a leader.
• Address conflicts directly and constructively. When issues arise, handle them with care and transparency to maintain trust.

Tip: Trust is built over time through small, consistent actions. Every positive interaction strengthens your relationship.

5. Set Shared Goals and Expectations

For your leadership team to function smoothly, everyone needs to be aligned on what success looks like. Setting shared goals and expectations creates Clarity and helps keep everyone on the same page.

How to Get Started:

• Co-create goals with your APs that align with your school’s mission. These goals should be specific, measurable, and linked to both student outcomes and staff development.
• Set expectations around communication, decision-making, and accountability. Discuss how you’ll handle disagreements, feedback, and evaluations.
• Regularly review progress toward goals. Use your check-ins to assess how well the team is meeting expectations and where adjustments are needed.

Tip: Setting clear goals and expectations from the beginning prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone focused on the big picture.

6. Empower Your APs to Lead

Effective principals empower their assistant principals to take ownership of their roles and grow as leaders. This not only builds confidence but also strengthens your overall leadership team.

How to Get Started:

• Delegate meaningful responsibilities. Trust your APs with tasks that challenge them and allow them to showcase their strengths.
• Provide mentorship and professional development. Offer guidance, resources, and opportunities for your APs to enhance their leadership skills.
• Encourage initiative. Create a culture where your APs feel confident bringing forward new ideas and leading initiatives that align with the school’s vision.

Tip: Empowered leaders feel more invested in the school’s success and are more likely to step up during times of need.

Conclusion: Leading Together for School Success

Building strong relationships, trust, and clear working expectations with your assistant principals is an ongoing process that requires intentionality, communication, and collaboration. By focusing on these key areas, you’ll create a cohesive leadership team capable of driving your school forward with shared purpose and direction.

When your APs feel valued, trusted, and supported, they’ll be better equipped to lead alongside you—creating a stronger, more unified school community.

Have a #RoadToAwesome week

Darrin

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Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.