Power and Leadership

School administration is achieved through talk: talk in meetings, talk in random hallway encounters, talk on the telephone, talk to the media, and talk on the grapevine. As Corson (1995) puts it: “All kinds of power are directed, through language”(p.3).
Power permeates the education system; and although some actors are more powerful than others, all have power. School administrators have two types of powers: economic dominance and legal authority. These types of powers are built into the system for administrators. Wise school leaders build their power by working to add to what the system provides them. Many administrators work to establish their component authority, which can be done in several ways. Some people obtain a doctorate for this purpose; another approach is to stay up-to-date in professional reading and work actively in one or more professional organizations. Administrators can also establish their competent authority by clearly pointing out the educational reasons for the decisions they make.
Learning how to make a convincing presentation at a meeting or polishing writing skills in order to be able to draft effective news release can enhance a school leader’s power.
In addition, the zest to gain more knowledge about the community and its population will also enhance power.

Reference
Corson D. (1995). Discursive power in educational organizations: an introduction. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.