Name: Bak Bir Rai

Title: Principal

Organisation: Shari Higher Secondary School, Paro ,Bhutan

I am working as a Principal in one of the Higher Secondary schools in, Paro, West Bhutan. My school is a day school with 355 students and 45 teaching and supporting staff. We have Co education system in or country. Our school curriculum focus on the principles of Gross National Happiness.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Bak's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

To live up to the expectation of all the sake holders in the school

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Started as a teacher, nominated for leadership position, became Assistant, Vice and then the Principal -through fulfilling various criteria.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I plan my day with all that I feel is important in the best interest of the students, school and the stakeholders. I prioritize the plans and programmes to be done for the day in the best interest of all (academics and Co curricular)and attend other ad hoc programmes, beside planning for independent teaching.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Instructional Leader

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey. The change that we want to see in others should come from the leader -leaders personal leadership and effectiveness (change) is important. The step wise principle in the book shows us the path ways to adapt to change -the change that lead to success, personally and professionally.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Be open minded and embrace change in life.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Leadership entails sacrifice