The Balance of Art and Science of Leadership -- A Dunman High School Perspective

Abstract

This paper addresses the two strands: 1) what works when leading people; and 2) what works when improving schools. We draw from our empirical study with a Dunman High School perspective to examine a) the science aspect of leadership, and b) the art aspect of leadership. The former stems mainly from western theories; while the latter has its origin from the east, especially from ancient China. The paper tries to tap an integrated approach of synthesizing both western theories and eastern philosophies available in the Chinese classics. The structure of this paper comprises 1) our perspective of successful school and school leadership; 2) the attributes of a successful school leader, who demonstrates “vision, inspiration, and servant leadership” qualities, with strong characters of being “perceptive”, “perseverant”, and “prudent”; and 3) the principles for the top leader to establish and maintain sound personal and working relationships with his people. We conclude that this hybrid model of the science aspect of structure/system and the art aspect of people/culture, once in place, will function well in an effort of leading the people more effectively, and in improving the school dramatically.