Kizito Forbi

Roadmap to Leadership: Entry Strategies of Neophyte Secondary School Principals in Cameroon Kizito Forbi

Takingcharge of a leadership role for the first time is a challenging transition. Itis not sudden but starts when one accepts office, like the principalship. Then the leader goes through a series of phases during which s/he masters the'ropes' and exerts influence on others. Roadmap to Leadership proposesthree strategies as recipe for a successful entry into leadership role. Strategic learning is an information management strategy that is ecological,generative, progressive, reflective, and emotional. Strategic change is atransforming strategy that aims at aligning attitudes, relationships, andstructures to the desired goal of the enterprise. Strategic vision is choosinga focus and framework of meaning that functions as prod and magnet for everyeffort deployed by the leader. In conjunction with these strategies the newleaders must communicate their vision effectively, drive the transformationprocess passionately, navigate the roadmap knowledgeably and with discipline,and time the taking-charge process so that it is not prolonged indefinitely.