1st Edition
Lead Like the Legends Advice and Inspiration for Teachers and Administrators
Based on the popular presentation of the same name, Lead Like the Legends uses the inspiring words of musical legends to help teachers and administrators learn the principles of effective leadership.
The book is organized around 14 musical greats, including Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Marian Anderson, Carlos Santana, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Louis Armstrong. As you examine the words of wisdom from these artists, you’ll learn the keys to strong leadership, such as…
- being sincere;
- accepting no limits;
- leading with imagination;
- leading by participating;
- being daring and high energy;
- using teamwork; and
- being yourself.
Each chapter includes motivational stories and examples from school leaders across the country, as well as reflection activities, self-assessments, and planning tools to help you implement the ideas. Whether you’re a teacher looking to enhance your skills or an administrator in charge of managing a school or district, you’ll come away from the book with fresh ideas and inspiration to help you on your journey.
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Prelude
How to Read Lead Like the Legends
Ch. 1 Judy Garland – Be Sincere
Ch. 2 Rogers and Hammerstein, Joe Raposo – Be Optimistic
Ch. 3 Ray Charles – Accept No Limits
Ch. 4 George Gershwin – Be Eclectic
Ch. 5 Duke Ellington – Lead by Participating
Ch. 6 Leonard Bernstein – Lead with Imagination
Ch. 7 Marian Anderson – Be Strong by Being Principled
Ch. 8 Frank Sinatra – Train to Grow
Ch. 9 Bob Dylan – Put the Message Across
Ch. 10 Elvis Presley – Be Daring and High Energy
Ch. 11 Carlos Santana – Unify
Ch. 12 The Beatles – Use Teamwork
Ch. 13 The Temptations – Move Together
Ch. 14 Louis Armstrong – Be Yourself
Coda
Share Your Story
Testimonials
Biography
David I. Steinberg is Director of the Department of Professional Growth at Montgomery County Public Schools. He has previously served as principal at a number of elementary, middle, and high schools, and has taught at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels. He presents on Lead Like the Legends to K–12 schools, as well as to district offices, all over the country.
"David Steinberg has written a unique and imaginative reflection on the concepts of effective leadership. As an experienced educator in the classroom, in the school office, and at the central office level, he connects the realities of our day-to-day work in schools to the extensive research in educational leadership. Using familiar tunes and the life experiences of the composers, David guides us through the important characteristics of truly effective leaders, far beyond the nuts and bolts of good management. This is a refreshing and inspirational book for anyone who hopes to lead others." --Jerry Perlet, Former Principal and Washington Post Distinguished Leader
"Poignant. The way that David Steinberg introduces leadership concepts through the lens of musical greats and elaborates on them with real examples of leadership in action is elucidating. A must read for educators who need inspiration and practical advice on how to unleash their leadership potential." --Kevin M. Maxwell, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland
"In this book, David Steinberg masterfully uses heartfelt, authentic stories and musical analogies, offering lessons to support the growth of teachers and leaders. His inspirational storytelling and reflection tools encourage educators to be bold, supportive, and visionary in their work." --Kim Oliver Burnim, Teacher Leader and 2006 National Teacher of the Year, Silver Spring, Maryland
