Quote from the Book, The Superior Educator
A Calm and Assertive Approach to Classroom Management and Large Group Motivation, Copyright © November 20^th, 2008, Stephen T. McClard

Having optimism in the darkest times can be difficult.  Since optimism is related almost directly to self-esteem, finding ways to improve your self-concept becomes the focus for improving optimism.  Your level of optimism and self-concept will determine whether you are more or less depressed and will define your capability to perform above or below your potential.  The worst circumstances will merely bounce off you if you have amazing optimism.  If your optimism is beaten down through years of poor classroom management, you may find renewed hope within the pages of this book.

 To improve self-concept is to improve achievement.  This is true for you and it is true for your students.  If your leadership abilities were a math equation, then by taking all the skills you have learned in your life up to this point and adding this to your personality, then the sum would equal your leadership ability.  Think of optimism as taking that number to the power of your level of optimism.  The equation would look like this:

(Skills + Personality)  ^{(to the power of optimism)}  =Leadership Potential

 The equation for pessimism would be the opposite.  Pessimism takes your leadership potential away.  The equation would be:
 

(Skills + Personality)  - Pessimism=Less Leadership Potential

 Anything that you can do to improve your leadership style should be practiced.  Reading books on leadership, motivation, and business success is a good starting point.  Using your planning time or professional days to observe other teachers is another effective idea for improving your leadership style.  Use any means necessary to sharpen your axe!