ABSTRACT
This introduction gives an overview of the key concepts presented in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that it is personal and individual development that is increasingly losing ground against organisational needs. Yet, as Butcher believe, personal development that offers increasing self-knowledge and improvement of meta-abilities provides the fundamental basis for organisational development, as it encourages versatile, thinking professionals. It explores the skills and personal attributes needed for the effective leadership of the complex organisations that schools and colleges represent. Staff development, professional development, personal and individual development are terms which are sometimes used interchangeably. Institutional development is more obvious; it refers to initiatives designed to develop the organisation as a whole, based on the needs perceived by senior management. Managerial cultures have focused upon measuring the results of teaching and identifying key characteristics of 'good' teachers, resulting in a widespread downturn in morale.
