This new edition of John C. Daresh's bestseller provides the resources needed to become a strong and effective leader. The reader will find out have they can: (1) Manage others' expectations as principal; (2) Master the technical skills necessary to run a school; (3) Create and clarify a personal professional growth plan; (4) Work effectively with the community; (5) Incorporate staff in school goals and initiatives; and (6) Work more effectively with parents. In compelling scenarios from new principals, Daresh focuses on the practical skills for developing a network, the process of finding mentors, and the importance of professional organizations. With the tools this guide offers, the reader will build the skills they need to thrive as a principal, growing more comfortable--and more confident--in their role as school leader. This book contains the following fifteen chapters and three parts: (1) Introduction; and (2) A Framework for Understanding the Beginning Principalship. Part I: Technical and Managerial Skills, with chapters: (3) A Personal Leadership Checklist; (4)Expectations for Technical and Managerial Skills; (5) Learning to Lead by Assisting; and (6) Assuming Responsibility for Accountability. Part II: Socialization, with the following chapters:(7) Seeing Your Invisible Heroes (8) Parents as Partners?; (9) Others' Expectations and (10) Learning Your School's Culture. Part III: Self-Awareness, with the final chapters: (11) Reviewing Personal Values; (12) Being a "Boss"; (13) Building a Personal Timeline for Learning and Development; (14) Building a Support System; and (15) Some Concluding Thoughts. The following is appended: Beginning Principals' Administrative Skills Assessment Instrument. [This book is a Joint Publication with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and National Association of Secondary School Principals.]