Keterampilan Manajerial Kepala Sekolah Dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Guru Di SMP Negeri 8 Palopo

Abstract

As a manager, the school principal plays a key role in optimizing teacher performance through the application of managerial skills. This study aims to describe the principal's managerial skills in improving teacher performance, the supporting and inhibiting factors encountered, and the resulting impacts at SMP Negeri 8 Palopo. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving the principal, teachers, and student representatives, then analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the principal applied three managerial skills based on Robert L. Katz's theory: conceptual skills, reflected in the participatory formulation of the school's vision, mission, and work programs; human relations skills, manifested through open communication, motivation, and harmonious guidance; and technical skills, evident in the implementation of academic supervision and mentoring on the use of learning technology. The main supporting factors were teacher cooperation and adequate facilities, while the inhibiting factors included suboptimal teacher discipline and gaps in technological competence. The application of these three skills produced a positive impact in the form of increased teacher responsibility and professionalism, although some obstacles still required continuous coaching. This study recommends strengthening academic supervision and discipline coaching as follow-up strategies for improving teacher performance.