Abstract
Purpose. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the help-seeking styles and behavior of new elementary school principals. The secondary purpose of the study was to determine if there was a difference in help-seeking styles and behavior of new elementary school principals when they were compared by age, gender, ethnicity, and prior experience. Methodology. The research methodology for this study was mixed methods. The participants were new elementary school principals with 5 years or less across 58 counties of the state of California. Ultimately, 241 viable principals were sent surveys, with 28 items, electronically. The items were measured using a Likert scale, 14 assessed the principals' perception of help seeking, seven items determined the frequency of their seeking help, and three items tested preference of style and behavior. The last five items were open-ended questions. There was over a 60% return with 147 completed principal surveys. Findings. New principals are primarily autonomous help seekers. Principals seek help from other principals. They avoid going to the superintendent or those in charge. They ask for advice and clarification and bounce ideas off each other. Conclusion. New elementary school principals need a support system in place as a tool to obtain trusted help. New elementary school principals go for help when help is needed, but they do not go to those in charge for the help. Apprehension, dread, and fear exist among new elementary school principals. Recommendations. (a) There should be a formal identified entity made up of a mentor and/or coach and/or support provider in place just for principals to access as a resource. This mentor pool, coach bank, or support den would be made up of veteran principals who are working or retired. (b) Time should be allotted for principals to spend informal time together. (c) A website for principals would be generated to share information between principals and answer any questions they may have from persons still in the field. Screen names would be used for anonymity. (d) A principals' hotline should be created at the county level where principals can call in for help with questions in any of the potential problem areas.