This resource book on rural administrative leadership is the result of 1988 interviews with school administrators involved in successful rural educational programs. The material is divided into eight chapters, each self-contained for separate use. Chapter 1, "Getting to Know the Community," addresses qualities of living and working in rural communities. It emphasizes that effective administrators are involved in community affairs, reflecting their commitment to rural community socialization. Chapter 2, "The Board/Administration as a Team and Respective Roles of the Team Members," emphasizes the importance of establishing roles, goals, and priorities with board of education members while working as a team. Successful administrator-board relations depend on understanding the expectations and respective roles within the leadership team. Chapter 3 identifies issues of leadership and different management styles. Although rural school boards may prefer one over another, the successful rural administrator needs qualities of both management and leadership. Chapter 4 examines decision-making and problem-solving principles, and includes action plans for analyzing problems and making decisions. Chapter 5, "Conflict Resolution," includes strategies for dealing with the "fishbowl" or "rumor factory" phenomenon often present in rural communities. Chapter 6 includes specific tips for stress and time management, critical skills for a successful administrator to handle multiple roles, expectations, and high visibility. Chapter 7 includes procedures to help the administrator build a vision for the rural school and to develop strategies for achieving that vision. Chapter 8 offers information for recruiting, inducting, and retaining effective rural teachers. (TES)