Leadership Reflections from a 1st Year AP
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Starting my journey as a first-year assistant principal at a K-5 Elementary school marks a significant shift after 15 years in education, transitioning from special education teacher to higher education professor and supervisor of student teachers. Despite opportunities to pursue leadership earlier, I hesitated, realizing the importance of aligning my values with those of past school administrators. Observing a trend of leaders with limited classroom experience, I recognized the crucial link between strong leadership and pedagogical expertise.
The conventional hierarchical structure of schools has always felt constraining and distant, fostering an "us vs. them" dynamic that eroded trust and transparency. In pursuit of a different leadership approach, I envisioned a horizontal model grounded in relationships and a human-centered ethos. This aspiration guided my actions at the start of the academic year, aiming for a new paradigm of leadership that prioritizes connection over corporate formality.
As I reflect on my journey thus far, I remain dedicated to fostering a transparent and relational leadership style. Here are the key insights I have gained during my initial months as an assistant principal.
"Being In Charge Makes You a Boss, Inspiring Others Makes You a Leader."
Early in my career, I had a "Boss" as a principal who ruled with an iron fist. He was notorious for temper tantrums and didn't hold back when things didn't go his way. He led with fear, and it created a toxic work environment. That is not the leader I am. Instead, I show up and model for my team each day how I want them to show up. Always cheerful, solutions-orientated, and with them on the ground, not above. I have learned that the best way to earn trust and inspire your team is to show them that you are in the work with them. That might mean covering classes, testing students, and assisting with writing IEPs to meet deadlines. I never want my team to feel like I am unreachable or that all I do is give out deliverables. I am excited about the work and show that each day. I also give them my ear when they have a rough day and need to vent. I allow them to vent, and then I make sure I pour into them with words of affirmation. Sometimes, after a good vent session, hearing that you are a valued team member is just the re-energization you need.
"Emotional Intelligence is Muscle That Must Be Stretched."
As a leader, I have learned that mastering the art of navigating diverse personalities, working styles, and temperaments within my team is essential. I understand that my temperament sets the tone, and establishes a standard for all. Understanding my personality traits, thinking patterns, and values has been critical to empathizing with my team. The more I am able to honor my truth, the more I can hold theirs to be true. Developing this skill has allowed me to engage in critical conversations with them in a way that centers the work rather than personal feelings when giving feedback. Effective leadership involves engaging in challenging conversations with grace, upholding professionalism to role model desired behaviors, and steering discussions back to student success and data-driven decisions. I found strengthening this skill through practice and experience essential in achieving the shared goals I set for my team.
"Communication Is Everything..."
The hallmark of any good relationship is always communication. However, I have learned that it's not just what you say but how you say things that will leave the people feeling talked to or talked at. It doesn't matter how many things you are juggling or how many reports are due at the end of the day. If I say something to someone in a way that doesn't land well with them, I may have compromised that relationship with a single interaction. As a leader, I get no grace; it’s my role to extend it. Every interaction is scrutinized, highlighting the importance of maintaining professionalism in all forms of communication, be it spoken, written, or nonverbal.
Regarding written communication, reading my emails before I press send is essential! I always make sure they are error-free and convey the message succinctly. When communicating with parents, it's also necessary to know my audience. I ensure that I use professional language and avoid sarcasm in all my written communications. I also keep my multi-lingual families in mind; if I send out a school-wide communication, I have it translated so it’s accessible to all families.
"Feedback doesn't have to feel Confrontational."
Providing feedback is a crucial aspect of leadership to ensure alignment with expectations and support for my team. Because I know that some members of my team get anxious when receiving feedback, I employ an inquiry-based approach. It allows me to initiate feedback discussions through thoughtful questioning. Sometimes, as leaders, incorporating a few questions into the feedback process can facilitate a constructive conversation without triggering defensiveness. Using open-ended prompts like "Can you share your thought process..." or "What alternative approaches could we explore?" helps reduce the recipient's resistance. Feedback serves as a catalyst for growth; therefore, I actively seek input from my team, valuing their perspectives before making major decisions that impact their work. By modeling and embracing feedback with appreciation, I have established a culture of openness and trust, encouraging team members to voice their concerns and suggestions freely. Creating a safe space for feedback enables us to address challenges effectively and drive continuous improvement within the team."
"A Team is Fostered and Nutured, Not Just Named"
While we operate as the "Specialized Services Department," uniting us as one team, I've come to realize the importance of deliberately fostering genuine connections beyond our professional roles. Our work is inherently relational, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of each team member beyond surface interactions. Despite initial challenges, I took the initiative to break the ice by sharing more about myself and creating opportunities for personal sharing among the team. Investing meaningful time in team bonding activities, such as shared meals and game days, proved invaluable in alleviating the stresses of our work environment. Recognizing that team cohesion is not a one-time effort but an integral part of our team's foundation, I've prioritized consistent and ongoing team-building activities. These relationships are the bedrock that sustains us during challenging times and underscores the importance of belonging and support in enhancing team morale and retention.
In conclusion, effective leadership transcends mere authority by prioritizing inspiration, emotional intelligence, clear communication, constructive feedback, and team building. By embodying these principles, a leader fosters a positive work environment, nurtures growth, and cultivates strong relationships within the team. I strive to be a leader who leads by example, listens with empathy, communicates with clarity, and values every team member's input, paving the way for a collaborative and supportive culture that thrives on shared goals and mutual respect. By embracing these principles, leaders can inspire, empower, and elevate their teams to achieve success and build lasting connections that sustain them through challenges and triumphs.
