Leadership practices in times of crisis: Principals’ experiences and perspectives

Education in Australia is facing multiple crises, with increased government systems of accountability, domestic violence and community trauma, student behavioural challenges, teacher shortages, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with local natural disasters. My PhD study found that crises compound the pressures being felt by principals. This article outlines three findings from my PhD research study on principals’ leadership practices during crisis events: firstly that principals must exercise innovation to be responsive to periods of crisis; secondly that principals implemented a range of strategies to prioritise staff wellbeing; and lastly, that principals showed adaptability to increasingly changing situations.