Retired principal shows 'It Factor' in new chapter of life - BarrieToday

John Morrison, a retired principal, has recently become one of Amazon's best-selling authors.

The Severn Township resident of 11 years recently released his new book, The It Factor: Discover and Unleash Your Own Leadership Potential.

“The book focuses on the stories of seven school leaders from coast to coast to coast, from Vancouver Island to Halifax to Nunavut,” explained the former principal of Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute in Whitby.

“Each of these people has been recognized nationally for their contributions to education and leading their schools to unexpected levels of achievement,” he added.

Morrison was named one of Canada’s outstanding principals during his career and was hired by York University to run its youth development programs. The England native was also hired by the department of education in Prince Edward Island to develop a leadership program.

“This book is a contemplation of a lot of years’ worth of discussions with individuals, practice within the field, and findings that I’ve come across,” he said.

“The book is written primarily toward school leaders at all levels, however some of my beta readers are from the business industry and each of them has said the same things: the principles in this book apply to any sector where you are dealing with human beings," Morrison added.

Morrison says his book is a way for him to give back to the community.

“There are three parts of your professional life, one is preparing for it, the second is following through with preparation and performing the role that you chose to, and the third level is giving back, and this is a part of giving back for me,” he said.

“I’ve been given opportunities that most principals will never have. For seven years, I was invited to meet with 30 of the top principals from across Canada to take part in a three- to four-day executive leadership program, plus the opportunity to discuss issues in education and really get our head around how unique people are solving these issues," Morrison said.

The stories in Morrison’s book come from individuals who are from different communities, genders and are from different cultural groups.

“Each of them was able to draw from their own life experiences to find a way to connect with their community and bring schools forward,” he said.

The book made it onto Amazon's best sellers list in its first week. It costs $21.95 and it’s available here.

“If we want good schools, we need good leaders. If we want exceptional schools, we need exceptional leaders. This book supports those who want to become exceptional leaders,” Morrison said.

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Retired principal shows 'It Factor' in new chapter of life - BarrieToday
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