Interpreting the leadership practice of a South African school using the leaderful practice model

Abstract

Literature reveals the crucial influence of school leadership on the creation and maintenance of successful schools. In searching for new foundations to understand leadership, Raelin’s leaderful practice model serves as an authentic model to describe a successful South African leadership practice. A qualitative study was used to interpret school leadership in primary schools through the lens of the leaderful practice model. The following observations emerged from the study: “It is passion that makes people succeed in life”; “It isn’t my school, it’s our school”; and “Development has to be an integral part of education”. By sharing the leadership experiences of the principal, this study could serve as a valuable resource and promote the creation of other leaderful practices in South African schools.