Being #2

Abstract

Educational leaders who are second in command face specific challenges. Dealing with these stresses is integral to being successful in such a position. Seconds in command must learn to deal with that “caught in the middle” feeling: They need to accept what they can’t change and change what they can, not get lured into badmouthing their boss, and manage up — that is, push their supervisor to consider different perspectives at times. When seconds in command own their growth areas, push for clear communication, and acknowledge the tensions in their position, they’ll experience less stress and become better school leaders.