This book explores the necessity for building strong relationships among administrators, teachers, parents, and the community by applying what the book calls the five essentials of organizational excellence. The five essentials are planning strategically; benchmarking for excellence; leading collaboratively; engaging the community; and governing by standards. The books central message is that leading schools to excellence involves more than just the principal; every member of the community must be involved to make a difference in a schools success. Chapter titles reflect the books contents: (1) The Missing Essential Connections to Educational Excellence; (2) The Power of Thinking and Planning Strategically; (3) Benchmark for Excellence Using the Sterling System; (4) Lead Collaboratively for Combined Wisdom; (5) Engage the Public in a Productive and Proactive Manner; (6) Govern by Standards Developed with the Stakeholders; (7) Empower Integrated Management Systems with Five Essential Skills; (8) Integrate the Five Essentials; (9) Chaos, Essentials, and Learning Organizations; and (10) Conclusion. Each chapter includes a summary of key points. The book also contains many useful charts, graphs, tables, and rubrics. (WFA)