Lead by example. To make a difference, you need to live your administrative politics because people look at you as a role model.
Keep your word. If you say you will do something to make a difference, do it. If for some reason you can't carry through, make sure everyone on staff knows why. Nothing will ruin your credibility quicker than being seen as unreliable.
Pick your projects. An educational administrator cannot be all things to all people, so let the staff know where your priorities lie. If, for example you want to make a difference and stress teaching skills, rather than research grants, put it on the agenda for the staff meeting and then follow up with lecture visits.
Outline exactly how you intend to make a difference. Make sure everyone you are responsible for knows in which direction you intend to lead and where they fit in with your vision. Write down your educational administration goals, frame them and hang them on the wall so everyone can see the differences you want to make.
Mentor junior staff members, because it will make a personal difference for them. To get a position in higher education administration someone had to have helped you. Look at it as "payback" -- or "pay-forward."
Show personal interest in your staff. No matter if the person is a casual lecturer or a pro-vice chancellor, it makes a difference when you remember details about them -- children's names, favorite holiday destinations -- and they will warm to you.