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This self-described "maniac leader" has written a delightful guide to becoming boss, whether it be in business or your own life. In this case, Lorraine Monroe's line of work is public education--and she possesses some pretty impressive credentials. As founder and principal of Harlem's Frederick Douglass Academy, she turned a wreck of a school into an inner-city success story, raising it to a third-place ranking among 180 New York public schools for student achievement. But her down-home tome of inspirational lists, autobiographical anecdotes, and thoughts on leadership transcends the schoolyard. Many of her tenets, collectively called the "Monroe Doctrine," could apply to management in most any field.
Monroe pulls no punches in her passion, even when describing her own life. She takes issue with the best and worst teachers from her own education, and portrays her parents, particularly her father, as imperfect but inspiring individuals as part of a symbolic lesson about adopting the best traits of those who surround you. Written in a wholesome, conversational style, her sound-bite nuggets of advice come across like a collection of Mom's best words of wisdom. "Worthwhile work is rarely done from 9 to 5," she advises. "Avoid people who envy, complain and drain." Her one-woman pep rally ranks up there with Trump: The Art of the Deal and basketball coaching legend Pat Riley's The Winner Within as a recipe for success. --Jodi Mailander Farrell
Book Description
In 1991, Dr. Lorraine Monroe founded the Frederick Douglass Academy, a public school in Harlem, in the belief that caring instructors, a disciplined but creative environment, and a refusal to accept mediocrity could transform the lives of inner-city kids. Today the Academy is one of the finest schools of its kind in the country, sending graduates to leading colleges and universities. Monroe succeeded in her experiment by developing a unique leadership method through decades as a teacher and principal in some of America's toughest schools, which she calls the "Monroe Doctrine." In this plainspoken book, Monroe describes her journey as an educator and the evolution of her understanding of leadership through pithy, memorable rules and observations. She offers spiritual and practical advice on how to create a great school or transform a troubled one - however formidable the obstacles. She also shares her own remarkable life story; one which demonstrates how the vicissitudes of life can become great opportunities for growth and achievement.
Book Info
Offers advice on how to persevere despite setbacks, hostility and the doubts of others, and how to restore passion to your work life. Softcover. DLC: Monroe, Lorraine.
About the Author
Dr. Lorraine Monroe is now the Executive Director and Founder of the School Leadership Academy at the Center for Educational Innovation in New York City, where she is extending her "Monroe Doctrine" to assist other school principals and educators nationwide create high-achieving schools and transform children's lives.
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