Leadership

The Heart of Leadership: Humility and Belonging

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Earlier this week, our country lost a remarkable leader in former President Jimmy Carter. The tributes that followed didn’t focus on grand speeches or flashy displays of power. Instead, they celebrated Carter’s unwavering faith, his steadfast dedication to community, and his lifelong commitment to making the world a better place for others. His leadership wasn’t about being the center of attention or staging photo-ops; it was about rolling up his sleeves and humbly serving those around him.

As educators, we must ask ourselves: What kind of leaders are we striving to be? Are we chasing the spotlight or building the light in others? For too long, I’ve seen school leaders drawn to performative leadership—the standing on tables, the viral stunts, the costumes designed for “likes” rather than lasting impact. While these acts may entertain for a moment, they often fail to empower others or build the foundation of belonging that our students, teachers, and families need.

Leadership isn’t about gimmicks or self-promotion. True leadership lies in tuning into the gifts of others and encouraging them to follow their unique paths. It’s about listening more than speaking, serving more than being served, and building a culture where everyone feels valued, seen, and capable of greatness.

Jimmy Carter once said, “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.” His words remind us that the principles of humility, service, and community are timeless in leadership. Humble leadership is a quiet force that lifts others without fanfare. It builds cultures of belonging, not through stunts, but through consistency, care, and compassion.

For many years, my father instilled in me the idea that greatness comes not from being on a stage but from being in service to others. He taught me to dare to be great by encouraging others to step off the sidelines and into their potential. As leaders, it’s our calling to help others “kick off the bench” and take those daring steps toward their own greatness.

Four Leadership Moves to Build a Culture of Belonging with Humility

1. Listen With Purpose

Create opportunities to listen to the voices of students, teachers, and families. Regularly ask, “What do you need?” or “How can I support you?” and act on what you hear. Listening isn’t just hearing—it’s responding with action and intention.

2. Celebrate Others’ Gifts

Leadership isn’t about being the hero of every story. Shine the spotlight on your team. Recognize the unique talents and achievements of those you serve. Build platforms where others can share their brilliance.

3. Serve Quietly and Consistently

Leadership is often found in the small, unseen moments. Show up early to greet students. Pitch in during tough times without announcing it. Let your actions speak louder than your words.

4. Model Humility in Every Interaction

Humility isn’t weakness; it’s strength in understanding that leadership is about others, not ourselves. Admit mistakes, ask for feedback, and be willing to learn alongside your team.

Let us step away from the noise of performative leadership and into the quiet power of service. Leadership isn’t standing on a table or staging antics that distract from our core mission. It’s about humbly helping others discover their greatness.

As I reflect on Jimmy Carter’s legacy and the lessons my father taught me, I’m reminded of the simple truth: Leadership is not about being in the spotlight—it’s about igniting the light in others. Dare to be great by building a culture where everyone belongs and is empowered to lead.

Let’s get to work, sleeves rolled up, hearts full of humility, and hands ready to serve.

Now and Then, There Is Hope

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Now and Then, There Is Hope

Hope is something we all need. Whether we’re leading a school, guiding a team, or simply navigating the ups and downs of daily life, hope serves as our compass. It’s the whisper that reminds us we’re on the right path, that our vision matters, and that our efforts have the potential to create something meaningful.

But let’s be real—there are days when the compass feels broken. Days when we question our choices, when doubt creeps in, and Imposter Syndrome casts a shadow over our accomplishments. I’ve been there. We all have. And in those moments, I’ve learned that it’s the small, unexpected flashes of hope that keep us going: the spontaneous smile from a student as I walk down the hallway, the moment a teacher’s lesson hits its stride, or even a kind text from a loved one reminding me I’m not alone in this work.

Sometimes, hope arrives in the form of a song. As many of you know, I’m an unabashed Beatles fan. From The Pepper Effect to #ThePepperEffect, to countless references in talks, blog posts, and podcasts, The Beatles are my creative wellspring. My book, The Pepper Effect, explores the lessons of collaboration, creativity, and leadership that can be drawn from The Beatles’ groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. If you’d like to learn more about it, you can check it out here.

Last year, I had the privilege of writing a piece for Culture Sonar about Now and Then, the “last” Beatles song. The story behind this song resonates deeply with me as a testament to the power of hope. You can read that full piece here.

The story of Now and Then is itself a lesson in hope and perseverance. John Lennon recorded a rough demo at his piano in 1977. When the surviving Beatles—Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—tried to finish it in the mid-90s, the project hit a wall. The synergy wasn’t there, and the technical limitations made it impossible to isolate John’s vocal clearly. The song was shelved, unfinished, but Paul never let it go. He believed there was something special in John’s demo—a spark waiting to ignite.

Decades later, in 2022, Paul and Ringo revisited Now and Then. With the help of advances in AI and the brilliant production skills of Giles Martin (son of George Martin, The Beatles’ original producer), they were able to clean up John’s vocal and add new musical elements. In 2023, the song was released, and for me, it felt like the world was witnessing a small miracle—a moment when something lost was found again. It was a triumph of hope, a testament to the belief that the impossible can become possible.

Earlier this week, I heard the news: Now and Then has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. It’s a powerful reminder that music—like hope—has the power to change the world. This song, born from a rough demo and sustained by Paul McCartney’s unwavering belief, is a symbol of what can happen when we refuse to give up on something that matters. It’s a lesson for all of us as leaders: sometimes, our vision won’t be embraced right away. There will be times when our ideas are met with polite nods or silence. But that doesn’t mean the idea isn’t worth pursuing. It just means we need to persevere and trust in the process.

Hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s a leadership move. It’s the quiet persistence to revisit ideas, to keep communicating, to invite others to collaborate and play together in the sandbox of possibility. I think about my latest initiative at school—the Principal Read Aloud. As a new leader, I wanted to find a way to connect with our students and teachers, to build trust and community. I proposed giving teachers a 30-minute break while I read aloud to their classes. It’s a simple idea, but it’s grounded in hope and the desire to show our school community that I’m here for them.

So far, only two teachers have signed up, and that’s okay. I’m hanging in there, just like Paul McCartney did with Now and Then. I believe in this small act of connection, and I’m willing to wait for it to grow, one read-aloud session at a time. Because that’s what hope looks like—it’s the willingness to keep showing up, to keep believing in the possibility of something beautiful taking shape.

As leaders, we have to hold onto hope like a North Star. It’s our guiding light, helping us navigate through challenges and inspiring others to do the same. Whether it’s in our school hallways, our team meetings, or even in the quiet moments of reflection, we have to keep hope in the foreground. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

And as The Beatles remind us in their final song, hope is the thread that ties the past, present, and future together. Now and then, there is hope. It’s what brings us back, time and time again, to believe in the magic of possibility and the power of collaboration.

Let’s keep hope alive in our leadership moves. Let’s embrace the small moments that spark joy and connection. Let’s take the time to revisit old ideas, to share our vision with others, and to trust that, in the end, something beautiful will emerge.

Tune in to Hope:

  • Embrace Small Acts of Connection: Like my Principal Read Aloud, find simple ways to show your heart and commitment to your school community.
  • Persevere with Your Ideas: Even if your vision isn’t immediately accepted, keep refining and revisiting it. Trust that it has the potential to resonate with others over time.
  • Invite Others to Collaborate: Hope grows when we invite others to join us on the journey. Create space for shared ownership and creative contributions.

The journey of Now and Then is a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger. When we lead with hope, we open the door for new possibilities to enter, and that’s when the real magic happens.

Listen to Now and Then by The Beatles here.

#NowAndThen #LeadershipRiffs #TuneIntoHope

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The Value of Embracing Square One

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Simplicity in Jazz:

In 1969, during the recording of his groundbreaking album In a Silent Way, Miles Davis famously told guitarist John McLaughlin to “play the guitar like you’re picking it up for the first time.” McLaughlin, renowned for his complex, intricate solos, was likely perplexed by this direction. Jazz, after all, is a swirl of notes, harmonies, and complexities—a musical enigma. But Miles was after something else, something new. He envisioned a sound that was simple yet profound, stripped down to its core. He wanted his band to create a fresh ambience, to tap into a deeper, purer musical experience.

This wasn’t just any jazz album. It was a collaborative effort with musicians who, for many of them, were playing together for the first time. Miles led them to embrace simplicity, allowing space for discovery. The result? An album that, decades later, still influences and inspires musicians worldwide. It stands as a testament to the power of stepping into something new with fresh eyes and an open heart.

Back to School:

For school leaders, the phrase “Back to School” stirs a similar mix of emotions: joy, anticipation, maybe even a little fear. It’s the beginning of something new, a reset button. For some, this is a welcome opportunity; for others, it can be daunting, especially for those stepping into a new school or leadership role. But there’s immense value in embracing these new beginnings, or what I call “Square One.”

Square One offers the chance to rewrite, renew, and refocus. Whether you’re a brand-new principal or a seasoned leader in a new building, starting over can feel like walking into a conversation where everyone else is already laughing at an inside joke. You may not yet be in on it, but there’s an opportunity to listen, connect, and contribute. Building trust, creating relationships, and setting the tone for a collaborative culture takes time and effort—but it’s well worth it.

As a turnaround principal, I’ve lived through this over and over. Every school, every new beginning, felt like standing at the edge of something vast and uncertain. But I’ve learned that there’s beauty in Square One. It’s where connection is made, where trust is earned, and where growth is inevitable if you lean into the discomfort.

Embracing Square One:

I used to dread the awkwardness of starting fresh. It felt like a weird dance where I would stumble more than glide. But with time, I realized that Square One isn’t something to fear. It’s a unique opportunity. In Square One, you get to build from the ground up, to create a vision, and invite others to join in shaping something beautiful for your school community. This is where you can set the stage for a culture of psychological safety, where teachers and staff feel seen, heard, and valued.

As leaders, we can choose to embrace Square One not as a setback, but as a launchpad. We get to set the tone for our schools, encouraging collaboration and creativity in ways that may not have been possible before. When we invite others to see their strengths, both tapped and untapped, we unleash the power of collective potential. It’s like that band Miles Davis assembled for In a Silent Way—everyone playing together for the first time, discovering new possibilities.

Leadership Moves to Embrace Square One:

  1. Assess the Current Reality: Work with a coach, mentor, or thought partner to clearly identify where your Square One stands. What are the challenges, and where are the opportunities?
  2. Connect with Your Community: Engage with your staff, students, and families. Share the vision for this new beginning and the path forward. Build excitement around what’s possible.
  3. Create a Roadmap: Develop a timeline with actionable next steps. Break down your vision into tangible goals. This will give you and your team a clear sense of direction.
  4. Reflect Regularly: Take time each day to journal and reflect on the progress being made. These reflections will guide future decisions and help keep you grounded in your purpose.
  5. Celebrate Wins: Don’t wait for the big milestones. Celebrate small wins along the way, and do it publicly. Acknowledging progress builds momentum and fosters a positive culture.

Conclusion:

Just as Miles Davis sought a deeper sound by stripping away the complexity, we, as school leaders, can find clarity and strength in the simplicity of Square One. Embracing the beginning allows us to reset, reimagine, and reframe the possibilities for our school communities. As we step into new roles or new school years, let’s lead with intention, vulnerability, and an openness to collaboration. The beauty of Square One lies not in its uncertainty, but in its promise. Like Miles and his band on In a Silent Way, we have the opportunity to create something timeless by being fully present in the moment.

Listen to Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way here.

Momentary Awareness: Leadership Riffs for Belonging

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The other day, I had a text conversation with a friend who was transitioning to a new job opportunity. While my friend was leaving on good terms, it saddened me to hear that the departure went unacknowledged—no farewell, no simple goodbye. This person, whom I hold in high regard, experienced a silent exit. It struck me deeply and reminded me of the power of moments in our professional lives.

As a principal, I believe in the significance of building intentional bookends in service to others. These bookends, moments that begin and conclude a journey, are crucial in creating a tapestry of experiences that resonate. I developed this habit from my days in a band, where I would help arrange setlists to craft an experience for the audience. We’d start strong, set the tone, and build to a powerful conclusion that lingered long after the final note. I carried the same approach into my lesson planning as an English teacher.

As leaders, we are called to foster a culture of belonging for the people we serve. One key to building that sense of belonging is being mindful of the moments. How we welcome our people is just as important as how we conclude things. In the midst of the day’s chaos—meetings, deadlines, hurried communications—it’s easy to lose sight of this. But nothing is more important than investing time in making sure moments are meaningful for those we serve.

Whether we’re creating an upbeat orientation for new team members or wishing someone well as they move on to a new opportunity, it’s essential to be intentional. These interactions should be personal and meaningful, honoring the role that person played in our organization. We want them to leave with a positive narrative about their experience. More importantly, as leaders, we want to be decent, kind, and supportive.

Several years ago, I was captivated by The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. The book emphasizes the impact of meaningful experiences in organizations, making it a must-read for any leader. One quote that resonates with me is, “Our lives are measured in moments, and defining moments are the ones that endure in our memories.” As school leaders, we must invest in creating moments that will echo in the lives of those we serve, ensuring that our teachers and students walk away from our schools feeling connected and a true sense of belonging. How we welcome is just as important as how we bid farewell.

Here are four ways school leaders can build meaningful moments that serve as bookends for the teachers and students they serve:

  1. Morning Meetings: Start the day with intention by hosting Morning Meetings. This time can be used to set a positive tone, share goals, and build a sense of community. It’s a moment where everyone can feel seen and heard, setting the stage for a productive and connected day.
  2. #CelebrateMonday: Kick off the week with #CelebrateMonday. This initiative is about starting each week on a positive and inviting note for all stakeholders. Recognize achievements, share uplifting stories, and set the tone for the days ahead. It’s a simple yet powerful way to create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
  3. Closing Meetings for Students: As the school day ends, hold a Closing Meeting for Students. This is an opportunity to reflect on the day’s successes, address any challenges, and leave students with an empowering message. It ensures that they leave on an uplifting note, carrying that positive energy into their homes and communities.
  4. Personalized Farewells: When someone leaves your school, whether a student, teacher, or staff member, make it a point to acknowledge their departure in a meaningful way. A personalized farewell, whether it’s a small gathering, a handwritten note, or a simple but sincere goodbye, honors their contributions and ensures they leave with a sense of closure and appreciation.

Moments are intentional moves that must align with the vision and mission but must also resonate with the hearts of the people we get to serve and support. As leaders, let’s commit to creating those defining moments that will endure in the memories of those we lead

Embracing the Disruption: Leadership Reflections for Change in the AI Era

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They Aren’t U2 Anymore…

In 1991, U2 released their pivotal album, “Achtung Baby.” As a senior in college, I recall the initial shock of hearing that U2 had made a dance album. As a rock purist, this was hard to accept. I scoffed at dance music and felt U2 was undermining the legacy they had built with their quintessential album, “The Joshua Tree.” I vividly remember seeing early pictures of U2’s new look—Bono in oversized sunglasses and The Edge sporting a neon-colored bandana. This wasn’t the U2 of “The Joshua Tree,” with their ten-gallon hats and denim. Where had my U2 gone?

When I first heard the single “The Fly,” I didn’t get it. It didn’t sound like U2. But as I listened to the rest of the album, I began to understand their new direction. “Achtung Baby” is an excellent groundbreaking album depicting a band willing to disrupt their trajectory and do something fresh.

Blackberries Falling

When I was first named an administrator, one thing I eagerly anticipated was getting my very own Blackberry. I had long admired other administrators who brandished their Blackberries with the cool ease of a Jedi wielding a lightsaber. When it was finally issued to me at central office, I felt like I had fully become an assistant principal. I even thought there should have been an induction ceremony as I received my Blackberry. Little did I know, Blackberries don’t make leaders.

I was overly consumed with the status I believed the Blackberry afforded me. When Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone, I scoffed at it. I thought it was useless and would flop against the Blackberry’s dominance. Clearly, I was proven wrong as the iPhone eclipsed the Blackberry universe. Once I experienced the capabilities of the iPhone, I quickly abandoned my Blackberry and haven’t looked back since.

For those reading, you may feel some nostalgia about the rise of the Blackberry phone. Others may have no idea what it is due to the ubiquity of the iPhone. Some may be hanging on to a cherished Android. Regardless, will we be cradling any of these devices within the next 5-10 years? What will be the next disruption that we are challenged to embrace?

Reflection Moves

In the wake of the recent ISTE Conference, I’m sure Artificial Intelligence was on everyone’s lips. Even though I wasn’t at the conference this time, I am certain AI was a hot topic. A new age has arrived, and we are in the midst of an exciting shift with the advent of AI. Perhaps five years ago at an ed tech conference, AI may have only been a topic for a handful of folks.

As we undergo this seismic shift in technology, it is vital for school leaders to have a firm vision balanced between the past, present, and future. Having a 360-degree view of current and future trends is not always easy for leaders. There are many demands on the plate for school leaders—observation schedules, school safety issues, paperwork, impromptu conferences. It goes with the gig. However, to equip our students and teachers for the challenges and opportunities surrounding any new dawn in education, it is crucial to nurture our leadership core with all things reflection.

AI is here to stay. It may fade away like U2’s denims and Blackberry’s ephemeral grasp, but its impact on education is undeniable. According to a 2022 McKinsey report on AI, more than 50% of companies in the US had at least one AI functionality embedded in their framework. That was two years ago, and I would bet that number has significantly increased. The impact of AI on education is something school leaders must understand. Taking time to reflect, read, and connect with other school leaders is essential for supporting teachers in integrating AI into the schoolhouse.

Reflection requires intentionality, space, and a plan. Within the PLN, many school leaders share their journey of adapting AI into their framework, and many states are creating structures and policies to align the use of AI proactively and meaningfully. AI is with us and is disrupting the landscape in many ways. Rather than avoid the disruption, we have an opportunity to embrace it. As the great Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius writes, “Willing acceptance—now at this very moment—of all external events. That’s all you need.” Ryan Holiday, who has written extensively about the Stoics, sums up this mindset to embrace setbacks in the title of his compelling book, The Obstacle Is The Way. AI and all of its techno baggage and rapid changes may seem like an obstacle, but it is a pathway for us to walk upon and embrace together. School leaders, we have an opportunity to inspire and support the people we serve to embrace disruption collectively and ignite new paths for building authentic, student-centered communities.

With this embrace of disruption, it is necessary for school leaders to take the time to reflect in a real and visceral way. Reflection is the ignition for inspiring action. As leaders, inspiring action and supporting others is the gig. The more we embrace disruption and support others in that realm, the easier it is to tackle any level of change in an organization. Reflection must also include the people you serve and empowering them as they navigate the challenges of change and disruptions. We must meet folks where they are and develop a supportive stamina to guide them. Reflection benefits leaders in this way as well.

Disruption can be messy and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. AI, in my opinion, is not a monolith looming sinisterly over people. There is much to learn from it, and the disruption it brings is not an impossible obstacle course but rather an opportunity for school leaders to compel others to embrace the disruption and traverse the challenges together. When those challenges are encountered together, it is an opportunity for the strengths and gifts of others to overcome and harmonize any challenging situation into a solution that is human-centered that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone.

Embracing the disruption is an essential move for leaders to take to help remove barriers, face changes, and compel dynamic action.

Resources

There are many resources available to help compel reflection and ignite connection. Swivl has developed Mirror, an AI classroom tool that serves as a conduit for reflection. Recently, they unveiled the app version of it, known as MirrorTalk. I used MirrorTalk as a tool for reflection in forming my thoughts and ideas for this post. It was very helpful and deepened my reflection to further insights. Monica Burns, an Ed Tech Consultant, Author, and Expert, provides a helpful set of resources for educators to integrate tools into the schoolhouse. Her dynamic Class Tech Tips website is a solid entry point for curated resources ranging from her email newsletter to the “Easy Tech” podcast. Stacy Roshan, my good friend and past guest on my podcast, #PrincipalLinerNotes, is a sincere and reflective ed tech influencer. Her book, Tech With Heart: Leveraging Technology to Empower Student Voice, Ease Anxiety, & Create Compassionate Classrooms, is a deep journey on balancing humanity and technology in the classroom. Stacy’s blog site, “techieMusings,” is just that—filled with helpful entry points on various ed tech tools and resources. All of these resources are momentum-filled for school leaders to reflect and embrace disruption.

Next Moves for School Leaders:

  1. Schedule Daily Reflection Time: Dedicate 15 minutes each day to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and successes. Use this time to jot down thoughts, ideas, and observations in a journal or digital note.
  2. Engage in Peer Conversations: Connect with fellow school leaders regularly to discuss the impact of AI and other technological advancements. Share insights, strategies, and support each other in navigating the changing landscape. Bring it into the conversation and invite others to share.
  3. Stay Informed and Educated: Commit to continuous learning about AI and its implications for education. Attend webinars, read relevant articles, and participate in professional development opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and lead effectively. Both ISTE and FETC provide edifying and compelling webinars to expand one’s learning and professional learning network.