We surveyed 549 principals to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical principal. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a principal?
Low
High
Working as a principal typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a principal?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a principal typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a principal?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a principal. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for principals.
Do principals work full-time or part-time?
90% of principals work in full-time roles while 10% work part-time.
Is being a principal stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for principals, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a principal?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for principals, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for principals?
Low
High
Principals tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a principal require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Principals will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are principals allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being a principal, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do principals have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Principals have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a principal physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a principal may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.
Are principals exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
The workload of a principal changes frequently, with their day-to-day rarely being the same.
Does being a principal require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a principal.
Does being a good principal require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a principal.