As a principal, I often find myself dreaming big. I thrive on the grand visions, the Moonshot thinking, and the aspirational moves that inspire transformation. I envision a schoolhouse where many hands work together, creating a masterpiece of learning. But here’s the thing: while I may live in that realm of possibility, I know not everyone shares the same bandwidth or sense of urgency. We all move at different speeds, and it’s our responsibility as leaders to gauge where our teams are. To lead effectively, we must be visible, be present, and most importantly, listen. It’s through this intentional awareness that trust is cultivated.

In the past year, I’ve found a renewed appreciation for the power of small wins, a lesson beautifully captured in two books that have become cornerstones of my leadership practice: Legacy of Learning by Meghan Lawson and The Leader Inside by Lauren Kaufman. Both authors remind us of the importance of celebrating small moves as stepping stones to greater heights. They offer a powerful perspective on how small, intentional acts can build momentum, nurture growth, and foster a culture of progress.

Embracing the Power of Small Wins

In today’s educational landscape, many of us are feeling the weight of the pandemic’s aftermath and the uncertainties of new challenges. I see it daily in our school—a fatigue that cannot be lifted by a Jeans Day or a Donut Party. We need more than quick fixes or temporary boosts. As leaders, we must make deeper, more intentional moves that celebrate small wins and bring joy back into our school communities.

One way I’ve embraced this approach is through curating Images of Possibility. I’ve been using Wakelet to capture and share snapshots of the good happening in our schoolhouse—students smiling, engaging in hands-on learning, or experiencing new adventures like a virtual field trip to Alaska via Nearpod. I sent this Wakelet collection to our staff with a simple note, inviting them to pause and savor these moments. It was a small gesture, but it created a powerful ripple of positivity.

During a recent focus group with our teacher assistants, I shared the Wakelet collection and asked them to reflect on the small wins they’ve witnessed. One TA’s words resonated deeply: “A small win is just that—a win. And a win is a win.” Her comment sparked a wave of sharing, as others opened up about personal victories and classroom successes. It was a moment filled with belonging, connection, and most importantly, hope.

Building Delight Through Intentional Leadership

Reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara has also shaped my perspective on leadership lately. Guidara talks about building delight, not through grand gestures, but through thoughtful, intentional moves that show we care. This idea has inspired me to rethink how I approach small wins, not as fleeting moments, but as opportunities to build delight and create lasting impact.

We, as leaders, are called to cultivate hope. We must lift each other up, recognizing that our presence and our voice are catalysts for the hope our students need. It’s about finding the small wins, tuning into them with intention, and amplifying them with purpose.

Four Action Steps for Building Delight and Celebrating Small Wins

1. Curate Moments of Joy: Start a collection on Wakelet to capture images and posts that highlight the everyday successes in your school. Share these with your staff regularly, creating a visual reminder of the good happening in your schoolhouse. It’s a simple yet powerful way to inspire and uplift.
2. Begin Meetings with Small Wins: Kick off your meetings by inviting staff to share a recent small win. This practice sets a positive tone, fosters a sense of accomplishment, and encourages a mindset of celebration. It’s a small step that can create a big impact.
3. Build a Culture of Sharing: Encourage your staff and PLN to use the hashtag #SmallWinsEDU across social media platforms. By sharing small wins, we create a dialogue of support and inspiration. Let’s celebrate each other’s victories and build a network of hope together.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection: Make it a point to notice and celebrate progress, even if it’s incremental. Acknowledge the effort and the journey, not just the final outcome. When we focus on progress, we create a culture where every step forward is valued and celebrated.

A Call to Action

As school leaders, we have the power to shape the narrative. Let’s tune into the small wins, build delight, and create a culture of hope. Let’s support each other in this journey, lifting each other up through the small yet powerful moves we make every day. Together, we can make a difference, one small win at a time.

So, let’s start today. Share your small wins using the hashtag #SmallWinsEDU and let’s create a collective space of inspiration and support. After all, a small win is still a win, and every win deserves to be celebrated.

Keep dreaming big and finding joy in the small moments. We’ve got this—together.