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As I stood in line at Barnes & Noble with a couple of new books under my arm, I was feeling deflated. A recent collaborative project I had spearheaded hadn’t gone as planned. My vision for what it could become was met with challenges and miscommunications—mistakes I take full responsibility for. I found myself yearning for the comfort of a bookstore, a sanctuary where I could immerse in words and ideas, hoping to reset my mindset.

While browsing, the headline of a recent Harvard Business Review article caught my eye: “We’re Still Lonely at Work.” It stopped me in my tracks. Loneliness is an epidemic many of us grapple with, whether we’re school leaders, teachers, or district administrators. The piece reminded me of the isolation that can creep in, even when surrounded by people. As leaders, we often navigate a delicate balance between fostering connection and feeling adrift in our own roles.

The Myth of Constant Collaboration

In our line of work, there is a pervasive myth: that the most effective leaders are always collaborating. We’re encouraged to find our “bandmates,” to build a culture of teamwork and shared vision. And while this is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to take a step back and find our creative solitude.

I’ve had the privilege of being part of incredible collaborations, whether it’s through projects like my podcasts, #PrincipalLinerNotes and #HopeAmplified, or through dynamic partnerships in our school’s Professional Learning Network (PLN). Yet, I’ve also experienced the sting of collaborations gone awry—those moments when trust is broken or communication falters. I’ve had ideas co-opted, projects I thought I’d be part of move forward without me, and connections that simply fizzled out. There was the time I thought I was co-writing a book with someone, only to find out they decided to go ahead without me. Or the time I drafted a conference proposal for a co-presentation with a colleague, only to learn they chose not to include me and took the idea to someone else. These setbacks can feel personal, prompting deep reflection on my own role and contributions.

When those moments happen, I retreat into my own creative space. I turn to music and the stories of artists who dared to go solo, forging their own paths when the band wasn’t quite the right fit anymore.

Solo Albums as Metaphors for Leadership

Paul McCartney’s McCartney, Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, and Nick Drake’s Pink Moon all come to mind. Each album is a testament to the power of going it alone. McCartney, grappling with the breakup of The Beatles, recorded his first solo album at home. It’s raw, intimate, and features a vulnerability that inspires me. Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska began as a set of demos intended for the E-Street Band. But when the full band recordings didn’t capture the raw emotion of the demos, Springsteen made a bold decision: he released the demos as the album. It’s a haunting, spare record that wouldn’t be the same with a full band.

Joni Mitchell’s Clouds is another beautiful example of solo expression. On this album, Mitchell showcases her introspective songwriting with just her voice and guitar for much of the record. It’s a deeply personal work that highlights the power of stripping back the layers and letting the essence of the music shine through.

Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert is a masterclass in solo creativity. This entirely improvised piano performance captures the raw beauty of an artist fully immersed in their own expression. It’s a reminder of the magic that can happen when we trust ourselves enough to follow our instincts, even without a plan.

These albums remind me that sometimes, we need to embrace our own creative solitude. It’s okay to be a solo act. In fact, it can be essential for recharging our spirits and clarifying our vision as leaders.

Gratitude for Collaborative Partners

As much as I value these solo pursuits, I am equally grateful for the collaborative partners who have taken a chance on me and embraced the spirit of shared creation. I owe a deep sense of gratitude to the few incredible educators who have been true bandmates on this journey. They’ve shown me the power of trust, shared vision, and authentic connection. Their willingness to join forces has renewed my belief in the possibilities of collaboration and reminded me of the joy that comes from making music together.

Four Ways Leaders Can Embrace Solo Creativity

Here are four actionable steps for leaders to carve out solo time and tap into their own creative wellspring:

1. Write It Out: Start a blog, write a journal entry, or even pen a letter to your future self. Writing is a powerful tool for reflection and can help you process your thoughts and emotions. It’s your own form of “audio journaling,” much like Springsteen’s Nebraska.
2. Record a Podcast Episode: If you’re feeling inspired, create a solo podcast episode. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just hit record and share your thoughts. This process can be cathartic and help you find your voice, much like McCartney did on his solo debut.
3. Go for a Solo Walk or Run: Physical exercise can clear your mind and offer a fresh perspective. Leave the headphones at home and listen to the rhythm of your own thoughts. It’s a form of active meditation that can spark new ideas. Outdoor space is good for inspiration and introspection. You can even take Joni Mitchell’s album, “Clouds” with you on a solitary walk.
4. Create an Art Piece: Whether it’s painting, drawing, or playing an instrument, creating something with your hands can be a wonderful way to express yourself. Like Keith Jarrett’s improvisations, let it be unstructured and free-form. See what emerges when you follow your instincts.

Conclusion: Finding Hope in Solitude and Connection

Leadership is about fostering a sense of belonging and connection for the people we serve, but it starts with us. It starts with acknowledging the times when we need to go solo, to reflect and create on our own terms. By stepping away from the noise of constant collaboration, we strengthen our ability to be present and authentic in our partnerships. We need both the band and the solo album to thrive.

As you reflect on your leadership journey, I encourage you to find your own version of “Walden Pond.” (Thoreau’s Cabin is pictured in the blog graphic for a reason.) Seek out those moments of quiet solitude to recharge your creative energy. It’s in these moments that we build the core of who we are as leaders. By doing so, we can return to our collaborations with renewed clarity, a sense of purpose, and the resolve to foster true connection and belonging.

Let’s embrace our solo efforts, find hope in our quiet moments, and continue building a sense of community for the bandmates who share this leadership journey with us. The interlude into solo pursuits can serve as the antidote for combatting work loneliness and inviting others into the band.