“What drives your school improvement efforts—evidence of best practice or the pursuit of universal buy-in?”

This question is posed by Dr. Richard DuFour in his article, “In Praise of Top-Down Leadership.” He then proceeds to answer that question as he reflects on ubiquitous research advocating for simultaneous loose-tight leadership within organizations in pursuit of high performance. He channels the work of Robert Waterman and Jim Collins, who reframe it as directed empowerment and a culture of discipline within an ethic of entrepreneurship. Toward that end, we are reminded that great leaders don’t just do things right, they DO THE RIGHT THINGS RIGHT! Further, they clearly articulate the RIGHT THINGS and create a culture and structures that support building capacity, quality control, fidelity, and accountability.

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