Current trends in teacher militancy alter the status of the principal, his effectiveness as an administrator, and his role in educational leadership. The best education of students demands a working partnership of teachers, principals, superintendents, and school boards, characterized by common goals, open communication, and mutual respect. The principal, in addition, plays a special role in creating and maintaining open lines of communication and mutual respect in collective negotiations. Agreements should be reached by consensus rather than by fiat, with personnel relating as partners rather than as adversaries. This booklet offers 11 guidelines for principals in taking effective positions in the collective negotiations arena. (RA)