Millennial School Leaders: Why They Come, Why They Stay, and Why They Leave

Abstract

This basic qualitative study explored the lived experiences of fifteen millennial school principals, with 1-5 years in the role. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to identify what prompts some aspiring millennial leaders to pursue and accept the role of school leadership, what motivates them to remain in that role, and what conditions might prompt them to leave the principalship. The following questions guided this study: 1) What prompts the millennial leader to pursue and accept the school principal position? 2) What motivates the millennial school leader to remain in the principalship? 3) What are the factors or conditions that would motivate a millennial school leader to leave the principalship? Findings that came out of this research include: 1) Millennial principals bring a strong work ethic that influences them to pursue the role, motivates them to remain, but could be a condition for them to leave. 2) Millennial principals' interest in seeking life balance influences them to pursue the role but could be a leading condition to motivate them to leave. 3) Millennial principals value relationships and feedback to encourage their pursuit, engagement, and longevity in the role. 4) Millennial principals are driven by intrinsic motivation to contribute that influences them to pursue the role, motivates them to remain, and could be a condition for them to leave. 5) Millennial principals pursue the role and remain engaged with their school community with high levels of commitment and dedication. 6) Millennial principals are self-aware and pursue roles that are a good fit for their strengths. 7) Millennial principals work collaboratively with their stakeholders to remain in the role. 8) Millennial principals lead with passion for teaching and learning which keeps them engaged in their work.