Dave has a wide background to call on when working with school and other organisation's leaders.  Policing, social work, youth development, mental health, human resource management and time as an interim General Manager and CEO means he has a great understanding of how to make a difference.  His MBA gives him the theoretical knowledge to back up practical experience working with a wide and diverse group of people.  He understands stress and how it impacts on performance.  His approach to appraisal is not just about identifying whether a leader meets the standards expected, but is based on positive psychology and appreciative inquiry in order to get the best out of those he appraises. While appraisal no longer forms part of the principal's collective employment agreement, it is a vital part of every principal's development.  School board's must also meet their statutory requirement of ensuring their principal is the principal's professional standards.