The two towers : the quest for appraisal and leadership development of middle leaders online

Abstract

This paper sets out to examine the role of middle leaders and their quest for effective appraisal and leadership development online —the two towers. Research that focuses on the role of middle leaders, in terms of their appraisal and leadership development, suggests there is a crisis in the ‘middle’. Currently, middle leaders do not have access to a specific national programme that focuses on leading from the middle. Moreover, they are not supported by those who are able to assess the gap in their leadership needs and provide the appropriate development. A lack of effective appraisal of middle leaders, and significantly deficient leadership development, suggest the need for an immediate call to action. Consequently, this paper explores the need for an online middle leadership programme that provides accessibility for these leaders in the unique contexts of their organisations, schools, and kura.