Evidence of an exceptional leader

I have been shadowing an elementary school principal a couple days a week for the past month.  In the short time I have spent with her, her exceptional leadership skills have been immediately evident.  I noticed simple things right away.  For example, she knows every student by name, and the face of most every parent that walks through the door.  She spends time teaching children two classes every day, in order to free up time for teachers to collaborate.  Teachers welcome her active supervision--inside their classrooms. 

Our school district has decided to move her to a new school next year so that she can work her magic in a different setting.  Today a district HR representative dropped by the school to receive input from the staff about the qualities they would like in her replacement.  Here are some new things I learned about her: 

• She is so well-loved by staff that many began to cry as they spoke about her leaving. 
• Every year she sends each incoming kindergartener a personal postcard from wherever she might be vacationing. 
• She gives every child in the school a Valentine. 
• She bakes a cake for every staff member on their birthday. 
• Clerical and support staff work overtime without pay and without scheduled breaks because they are so committed to the vision of the school. 

Sitting in on this meeting was an inspiring experience.