Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Carol Anderson-Woo

Second Advisor

Bendta Friesen

Third Advisor

Mona Montgomery

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe how exemplary Title I elementary school principals perceive practices of Sinek’s infinite mindset framework are embedded in their organization to inspire achievement of extraordinary results. A further purpose of this study was to understand organizational supports and barriers exemplary Title I elementary school principals perceive affect infinite mindset development. Methodology: This phenomenological study explored experiences of exemplary leaders and their perceptions of how the five practices of infinite mindset are embedded in their organization. The target population for this study was exemplary Title I elementary school principals in Orange County, California. Purposive sampling based on criteria and recommendations from an expert panel was used to select 10 exemplary leaders participating in this study. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews and collection of artifacts. Interview questions were designed around the five infinite mindset practices: just cause, building trusting teams, worth rival, existential flexibility, and courage to lead.

Findings: Examination of qualitative data from 10 Title I elementary school principals participating in this study indicated exemplary leaders perceive embedding practices of Sinek’s (2019) infinite mindset framework supports achievement of extraordinary results. Findings from this study include 18 themes, eight key findings, seven major findings, and one unexpected finding.

Conclusions: Based on findings in this study, six conclusions were drawn to demonstrate how exemplary Title I elementary school principals embed Sinek’s (2019) infinite mindset practices. Each research variable is included in these conclusions. Perceived supports and barriers that impacted embedding of infinite mindset practices in an organization were also included in the conclusions. Exemplary Title I elementary school principals focus on people in their organization and building trust with all staff members. Recommendations for Action: There are six recommendations for further research. It is important to explore experiences of Title I principals in areas outside of Orange County, California. Further research could also include other types of schools such as secondary Title I schools and non-Title I schools. Perhaps most importantly, future studies should focus on perspectives of teachers and further explore barriers educators experience.

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