It is generally accepted that in order to manage a school unit appropriately, the school should have the capacity to organize itself in such way that it aims to use its available material and human resources to achieve its targets as efficiently as possible. To this end, the role of the school head in the functioning of the school unit is crucially important and catalytic since, bureaucratic activities aside, their key role is to provide leadership. A leader’s behaviour and work ethic sets the example that inspires and motivates educators/colleagues, thus creating the appropriate climate for a positive and productive collaboration with all staff within the school. Indeed we consider that, in the field of education, motivation is an important factor for the successful achievement of the school’s targets. In particular, in order for educators to perform efficiently, a constructive and positive climate is absolutely necessary if all the methods and techniques are be harnessed for efficient and effective performance.This chapter:
Examines the meaning of the term “effective school” and investigates the effective functioning of the school unit through school leadership actions
Briefly presents motivation theories and also refers to the way that a school head should monitor and control their subordinates
Examines the meaning and the significance of “educators’ professional development” and presents the elements that constitute it
Refers to the rules for the leadership behaviour that a school head should consider so as to be pleasant and cool headed with their colleagues
Finally presents case studies from real school scenarios