Attributes of an Effective High School Principal?

I'm part of a group interviewing candidates for our school's next principal. What should we be looking for? According to you all, what are some of the most important attributes an effective high school principal must have?

An effective high school principal should possess a wide range of skills and attributes. Here are a few significant ones:

1. Strong Leadership Qualities: A principal should exude leadership, which often entails the ability to inspire others, make decisions with conviction, and manage a variety of situations with various stakeholders, including staff, teachers, students, and parents.

2. Empathy and Understanding: A good principal should be empathetic, understanding the unique situations of individual students and staff, and working towards an environment that is inclusive and overall beneficial for all.

3. Clear Communication Skills: A principal communicates with a wide array of people regularly, including students, teachers, parents, district officials, and the community. Clear, transparent, and effective communication skills are critical.

4. Knowledgeable: They should be well-acquainted with the education system, teaching methods, and the latest advancements in educational technology to effectively oversee the curriculum and other academic activities in the school.

5. Problem-Solving Skills: Schools face a myriad of challenges daily, from student issues to administrative concerns. A successful principal should be an adept problem-solver, able to navigate any situation presented to them effectively.

6. Long-term Vision and Strategy: A good principal should have a clear vision for the school, aligning with the school's mission and values, and a strategy to achieve those goals.

7. Commitment to Professional Development: They should be invested in the growth of their staff. This could mean providing opportunities for professional development, conducting regular performance reviews, or facilitating mentorship programs.

8. Foster Positive School Culture: A principal sets the tone for the entire school culture – they should aim to create a positive and stimulating environment where students are excited to learn, teachers are motivated to teach, and parents are enthusiastic to be involved.

Remember that every school is unique, so your search should be tailored to your school's specific needs and circumstances. For example, the best principal for an arts-focused school might not be the best fit for a school with an emphasis on STEM education.