Sounds absurd to draw any parallel between the performance of a school at a quiz competition and leadership at the school. We thought so too….

At a national level quiz, a week ago, the hall was brimming with teams as it has for last 20 years. We are busy, post a prelim, identifying those above a certain cut off score for my team and me to personally re-check the answer sheets. About 70 odd answer sheets are given to us to pick the top scoring 6 schools.

Where are the “Top Schools”? To my  surprise (or may be not), I do not find a couple of “top schools”, two to be specific. What is even more surprising is they are not in the top 70. Not one team. A decade ago, these schools would win year on year. I check with the organisers if these schools are taking part. They fish out their answer sheets. I nod my head in dismay as I see their scores.  We go a little deeper, post the quiz, to try and understand what is happening at these schools. One of them is battling a board level tussle, while the other has an acting Principal for over a year now. This is not a new finding for us. It has been a pattern we have captured over the last couple of years across India.

We then dwell into the schools (relatively new to winning such big events) that won. It turns out, these schools have inspiring Principals who have brought in stability, focus and purpose to what the school does, inside and beyond its gates.

LEADERSHIP MATTERS MOST: Successful schools, like corporate houses, are driven by heads of institutions who operate like CEO’s. They actively drive, monitor and architect the success of a school.  Here are few things that matter in a big way for schools to be successful.

VISIBLE LEADERSHIP: It is critical to have a visible leadership that shows and leads the way for teachers, staff and students to follow.

THE ANCHOR: Like a ship or an orchestra every school needs a Conductor to bring together the performers, set the tempo and ensure a good performance.

CLIMATE FOR SUCCESS: Leaders create an environment where success can foster. Even the best of talent will fizzle if the environment does not nurture its growth.

OWNERS ARE LIKE SELECTORS: Some schools tend to have owners who manage multiple schools. Capable as they may still be, their role and energy should be focussed on shaping the future of the school, while having an effective captain to manage the present.

With India poised to embrace its New Education Policy, the need for strong leadership, at our schools, is even more telling. Schools that would succeed in the future will be the ones that find leaders who can build great teams and nurture future leaders.

The results show up, even at quiz shows!