Assistant principals (APs) who successfully influence principals to behave in ways that support their goals increase their chances of achieving desired resources. This paper describes how assistant principals can build influence and strong working relationships with their principals. To begin, APs must understand themselves, their principals, the nature of motivation, and the nature of the superordinate/subordinate relationship. Questions are then posed to help APs develop a profile of their principals' working styles. General strategies for constructing a strong relationship include: (1) identify the principal's expectations of the AP; (2) take the initiative; (3) look for solutions to problems; (4) get information from others; (5) cultivate a friendly, professional relationship with the principal's secretary; and (6) respect the chain of command. Specific tactics are offered for capturing the principal's attention, increasing the AP's usefulness, increasing the principal's dependence on the AP, and giving the principal a reason to support the AP's activities and requests. (Contains 34 references.) (LMI)