Reprint from a decade ago
The question of visibility is one that teachers and principals, but especially principals should consider. It seems to me that a universal problem is visibility.
Many principals are often not in their schools because they are off at meetings, conferences and other professional development activities. Surely, their major focus should be on the ground, in their schools.
I know of students in schools who don’t know who the principal is, because they are never there. They identify the ‘principal’ as being a deputy leader or senior teacher who provides principal leadership in the regular absence of the real being.
1My firm belief is that school principals should primarily focus on their schools. Being there is part of that focus. Being known to students, staff and community is an element of role responsibility that should never be abrogated
EDUCATION, A LIFE FORCE BBB 
Well said, Henry.
I think this extends well beyond education.
Whether we’re talking about principals, managers, parents, or community leaders, people rarely remember how many meetings we attended. They remember whether we were present when it mattered.
Leadership isn’t demonstrated by a title on an office door. It’s earned through consistent visibility, accessibility, and the willingness to engage with the people you’re responsible for serving. You can’t build trust from a distance.
It reminds me that leadership is less about being in charge and more about showing up. Sometimes the most important thing a leader can do is simply be there.