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What are some ways to make a principal look good, if you are in a support position? I read that is the purpose of many jobs.

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Uwe’s Answer

Hi Crystal,

that is a really interesting question. But I am wondering why you think that this is the purpose of many jobs.
From my point of view the main purpose of a job is to provide value to the company or organisation you work for.
And I would doubt, that making a principal look good is really adding a lot of value in general. It may be just the opposite, you may strengthen a weak boss with that.
So my advice is that you don't think so much about how you can make your boss look good but focus on how you can add value to the person you support and the company you work for.

Trust yourself
Thank you comment icon That is an interesting perspective. Thank you for answering. Crystal Crystal
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Kim’s Answer

The "purpose" of most jobs is a lot more than just making someone else look good. However, it is a large part of what you will do!

The way to make someone else look good is first and foremost, to do your own job well - get work done on time, and accurately. Maintain confidences.

As to the boss, don't let him/her get blindsided. If there's something going on that they need to be made aware of, let them know! Can you imagine meeting with the school board and being asked about a particular transportation issue, and being totally unaware that there is even a problem? Conversely, don't bother the boss with every little thing. Run "interference," taking care of the little stuff yourself or finding someone else to take care of it.

Try to stay one step ahead. . . for example, if you think the transportation problem might come up at the school board meeting, don't just make sure the boss is aware of it - give them a report, data, statistics, what's being done about it - so the board understands that the problem is already being taken care of!

That's my take - I wasn't in education, but, looking out for the boss is something that's done in all professions.

Good question!
Thank you comment icon Hi Kim, Thank you for answering so quickly. I really wanted to know, and I appreciate your time. Thanks, Crystal Crystal
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Vasilios’s Answer

Understanding your manager's priorities is key to ensuring that both you and they "look good". Never assume that they are only interested in a particular set of metrics or goals. Once you have a clear understanding of what they want their team to achieve you will be in a better position to help them get there. Also, when appropriate, be proactive . If a particular system or process is not effective, find the source of the problem and, with your manager's input, take steps to correct it. This can also be as simple as coaching a fellow team member to help improve their performance. Remember any time your manager can tell his or her boss that their team improved a metric like, increased customer satisfaction, decreased cycle time or decreed expenses, the better they will look. Lastly, I wholeheartedly agree with what some of the other respondents have said, that one of the best ways to make your manager look good is to do your job well. Taking on special projects is all well and good, but never at the expense of your job performance.
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Jessica’s Answer

Hi,

That is a very interesting question. To make the principal look good, I guess you have to do your job effectively, communicate well, and work as a team. I also love Kim’s and Uwe’s answer.
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much. Crystal Crystal
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