Leading through Chaos: Ten Strategies for School Leaders during Crises

by Lisa Leali

Overview

Organizational crisis and chaos create drama that is complicated, layered and difficult to unravel without a roadmap. New leaders, especially those who find themselves in an organization in crisis need to hear how others have experienced that challenge and managed to emerge trusted, supported and having moved the entire organization to a new and better place without losing themselves in the process. This book provides a crisis identification checklist, ten strategies for managing chaos and reflection questions to support the leader’s health and wellness. Utilizing the familiar story of the Wizard of Oz and specifically Dorothy’s experience as a young, female, new leader, anchors the work and provides a familiar and comforting backdrop for managing this extraordinarily difficult and specific leadership challenge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475867060
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/15/2022
Pages:	142
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

Lisa Leali has been a central office school district administrator for almost 15 years and a Superintendent of Schools since July of 2020. Her experience in diverse educational settings and roles has given her a unique perspective on school and district leadership at many levels, and the challenges leaders will face in the future.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: Spot the Storm
Chapter 2 - Chase the Storm
Chapter 3: Provide an Accurate Forecast
Chapter 4 - Bring Everyone Along on the Yellow Brick Road
Chapter 5 - Wear Your Ruby Slippers with Pride
Chapter 6 - Confront the Lions, Tigers and Bears
Chapter 8 - Laugh, Even When the Wicked Witch is on your Tail
Chapter 9 - Share your Kansas Stories
Chapter 10 - Celebrate Before you Reach the Emerald City
Chapter 11 - Realize Oz is about More Than just the Wizard, it's about the Journey
Chapter 12 - Remember, there’s no place like home. - Dorothy

Editorial Reviews

Every school leader is or will be confronted with a crisis that requires decisive action, and this reality is increasingly predictable. In Leading Through Chaos, Lisa Leali, an Illinois superintendent, illustrates how to draw on personal and professional experiences and relationships when navigating difficult conditions... For a first-time or a current superintendent entering a new district, Leali’s experience provides a useful perspective. [Other] school leaders similarly will want to assess what actions are most appropriate for their setting.

School Administrator

Leading through Chaos is not just another leadership book. It is a guide that takes readers through the nuances of leading during turbulent times or in dysfunctional organizations. Packed with resources and case studies, Dr. Leali provides leaders with tools and actionable strategies to lead organizations in the toughest of times. Her expertise, experience and transparency is a gift to any leader, new or experienced. Bravo!

LeViis Haney

Leading through Chaos is not just another leadership book. It is a guide that takes readers through the nuances of leading during turbulent times or in dysfunctional organizations. Packed with resources and case studies, Dr. Leali provides leaders with tools and actionable strategies to lead organizations in the toughest of times. Her expertise, experience and transparency is a gift to any leader, new or experienced. Bravo!” —LeViis Haney, Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Stevenson High School

“Lisa Leali nails it in Leading Through Chaos! This is one of those books for leaders at every step in their careers. As written, "This book enables us to see that leadership is about teams who can work to create spaces that encourage and celebrate educators to be their best, every day, for students." Every element in this leadership book is on the mark - we're in this together, we're in this for each other and for students, and we can and will lead through whatever challenges we face.” —Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent; co-author of "The Unfinished Leader: A School Leadership Framework for Growth and Development"

From the Publisher

Lisa Leali nails it in Leading Through Chaos! This is one of those books for leaders at every step in their careers. As written, "This book enables us to see that leadership is about teams who can work to create spaces that encourage and celebrate educators to be their best, every day, for students." Every element in this leadership book is on the mark - we're in this together, we're in this for each other and for students, and we can and will lead through whatever challenges we face.

Michael Lubelfeld