Collegial Leadership/Instructional Leadership and Trust

Faculty trust in principals is based on their character and competence. Character includes integrity, motives, and intent, while competence refers to a principal’s abilities, skills, and past performance. Both aspects are crucial for establishing reliable leadership (Covey et al., 2006). Research emphasizes the principal's responsibility in cultivating trust through both collegial and instructional leadership.

Collegial Leadership involves the task-oriented aspects of the principalship (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2015). Faculty trust principals who are effective in achieving goals (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2015). Collegial leadership also involves acknowledging and appreciating teachers, which enhances job satisfaction, morale, and student outcomes (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2015). Schools that show gratitude, celebrate achievements, and recognize successes foster a unified and trusting community. Acknowledging and celebrating teachers’ contributions promotes a positive school environment, enhancing staff morale, sense of belonging, and motivation. Trustworthy leaders attract and retain teachers by showcasing competence, resilience, and expertise (Mishra et al., 2022).

A faculty’s perception of the principal’s proficiency in instructional leadership significantly influences trust. Demonstrating expertise and making sound decisions are closely tied to building trust (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2015). Successfully completing tasks reinforces trust in instructional leadership (Tschannen-Moran, 2007). While compassion and kindness are crucial qualities for principals, they must also align their actions with high standards and enforce appropriate consequences when needed. Leadership lacking these elements is likely to be ineffective (Tschannen-Moran, 2007). Trustworthy leaders enhance their communities by promoting an inclusive vision for everyone (Mishra et al., 2022). Teachers look for leaders who maintain trustworthy relationships while fulfilling core leadership duties (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2015). Principals who consistently demonstrate skills, deliver results, and establish a credible track record (Covey, 2006) create competence-driven leadership crucial for building trust (Hawkins & Nagy, 2013).