Elizabeth Dampf returns to “The Principal Liner Notes Podcast” for a THIRD time! Elizabeth shares her compelling insights on leadership, imposter syndrome and discusses her new book, Dealing with Staff Turnover: Systems That Make Schools More Resilient in Times of Change.
Order Elizabeth’s book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3p0sPWC
My leadership heart was broken.
An idea I had nurtured and built was dismissed. The specifics of the idea are not important for this blog. What matters is that I had a vision for the schoolhouse that wasn’t embraced by the faculty I served. This is a familiar scenario when you sit in the principal’s chair—you have an idea that energizes you and perhaps others. You see some momentum, but for various reasons, the idea fizzles out. It’s part of the leadership journey. Some ideas gain traction, while others don’t. I accept the responsibility for the failure of an idea to take hold. Maybe I didn’t communicate the ‘why’ compellingly, or perhaps my own arrogance hindered capacity-building with others. Regardless, we invest passion into our ideas. When we push beyond the mundane tasks and have-tos as school leaders and our passion isn’t accepted, it’s a challenge not to take it personally.
I bounced back from this setback. It wasn’t the first time my leadership heart had cracked, and it wouldn’t be the last. There would be future successes and failures. What made this particular loss resonate was the profound sense of loneliness. The principal gig is isolating as it is, but feeling the rejection of a cherished idea made it especially painful. At that time, my usual network of thought partners wasn’t available. I had to endure this one alone and dig deeply into my core to carry on.
Eventually, I was able to connect with a trusted thought partner. That person was able to listen to me, ask critical questions, and empower me to get back at it. I was fortunate that I had someone to help me navigate through the leadership blues and help me recalibrate my course.
Not every school leader has this resource. A 2022 study from NASSP cites that 77% of principals in the US desire to connect with other leaders facing similar challenges. School leaders faces many challenges alone bereft of authentic and consistent support.
They don’t teach you enough in “principal school” about how lonely leadership can be. That’s why nurturing your core as a leader and keeping your loved ones close is essential. It’s also crucial for school leaders to be open to coaching. Despite the title and position, no amount of status should make us look down on the need for a network of thought partners and coaching. School systems must develop intentional coaching networks for leaders due to the loneliness, anxiety, and fatigue that often accompany leadership roles. I’ve been fortunate to have valued thought partners and coaches in various leadership assignments. It’s vital that we, as leaders, find those trusted voices to harmonize with and share our thoughts, fears, and ideas. Every leader needs a coach, and there are many pathways to find one if your school district doesn’t provide one. Tapping into a Professional Learning Network is one way to find helpful school leaders willing to share their expertise.
Coaching is essential for sustaining momentum and balance in a leadership role. We must be open to and accept the strengths of others to fill our buckets. Coaching helps us navigate the complex landscape of leadership, providing us with the tools to overcome challenges and celebrate successes. An effective coach offers a fresh perspective, helping us see our blind spots and areas for growth.
2. Participate in a Book Study
3. Utilize Virtual Coaching
2. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
3. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
4. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
5. BTS Spark
Leadership is a journey filled with sublime peaks and ponderous valleys. Embracing coaching can make the journey less lonely and more enriching. By seeking out coaching support, we sharpen our saw, maintain our leadership core, and continue to grow and inspire those we lead. In this ever-shifting landscape of Education especially felt with the onset of AI, it is vital for school leaders to have needed support.
I invite you to share your resources and ideas in the comments for this blog post. Let’s learn and grow together.
Tune in for the latest episode of “The Principal Liner Notes Podcast” featuring Alyssa Gallagher. Alyssa is a leadership coach with BTS Spark( https://btsspark.org/en-us). She recently co-authored the book, “Embracing MESSY Leadership: How 20,000 School Leaders Can Transform You and Your School.” You can learn more about her book here: https://btsspark.org/en-us/messyleadership.
I loved our connected conversation on the podcast. You can access it on Spotify Podcasts linked here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sean-gaillard/episodes/Connected-Conversation-with-Alyssa-Gallagher-e2kc143 on YouTube in the link below:
There are sure signs of summer on the horizon. Summer resonates differently for many. For some, signs of summer lie within beach towels, vacation plans, and hurried trips to the bookstore for beach reads. For me, it’s always within the guise of music. Certain songs stand as emblems for the promise of a new season. “Blue Sky” by The Allman Brothers Band or the aptly named “Summer” by War serve as anthems for a season that brings extended time with family, road trips, and visits to the ice cream stand.
But for this unabashed Beatles fan, the true sign of summer is the “All Together Now: Top 100 Beatles Song Countdown” on Sirius XM’s The Beatles Channel. This annual broadcast event airs over Memorial Day weekend, playing nonstop, and I, of course, listen to it nonstop. I love engaging in internal debates—sometimes audible—with the song rankings. It’s a common practice and serves as my entry point into summer.
The other day, my wife and I were driving home. The Beatles Channel was playing in the background, and I was rambling on about some arcane Beatles fact, something my wife has heard probably a billion times. As I continued my Beatle bravado, “She’s Leaving Home” came on. This poignant song about a teenage runaway, beautifully sung by Paul McCartney with harmony from John Lennon, is backed by a harp and string ensemble. It’s a classic track from the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album, significant on so many levels. I even wrote a book about it.
As soon as I heard the opening notes, I promptly turned the song off.
Deb turned to me and asked why I had turned off a Beatles song. I replied, “New meaning to this song for us.” Deb immediately understood, and we both remembered the mix of joy and dread facing us.
Our daughter is heading to Spain for a college internship. She leaves in a few days. I’m turning to writing for some therapeutic reflection as I come to terms with my baby leaving the nest. I keep rationalizing—she’s smart, she’s about to turn 21, I’ve been through this with our oldest daughter living in Spain—she’s ready to conquer the world. Yet, I keep returning to memories of holding her as a baby, singing “Across the Universe” to lull her to sleep. She’s my baby, and I’m a hopeless Papa Bear.
I sadly recall the times I missed moments during her childhood. As a principal, I sometimes placed school duties before family. This particular daughter would lovingly admonish me not to read school books at home and encourage me to read fun books. It’s hard not to regret those lost moments with all three of my daughters. It’s even harder not to envision walking away from my dear daughter at the airport. But if, as a leader, you keep your family as the core priority, it’s a beautiful day. There will be moments when duty pulls at you, but those moments can never supersede precious time with loved ones. Defaulting to love, family, and care protects your well-being and ensures you can never go wrong.
I am thrilled my daughter is embarking on a new adventure in a new world. She’s excited about Spain, and I couldn’t be prouder. Though we will be separated by an ocean, I look forward to floating through the ocean of memories I have with her and to the continued moments we will share together.
As leaders, it’s easy to become consumed by our responsibilities. However, it’s crucial to remember that our families are our core support system. Here are some actionable steps to ensure you prioritize family time:
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your role as a leader does not come at the expense of your family. Prioritizing family time fosters stronger relationships and enhances your overall well-being, making you a better leader both at work and at home.
Tune in for the latest episode of #PrincipalLinerNotes with my special guest, Kim Strobel. I loved every minute of my time with Kim. She is an inspiring keynote speaker, consultant, former educator, and author of #TeachHappy. Kim is also a Happiness Coach and this conversation with resonate with much happiness for you.
Learn more about Kim and order #Teach Happy book here .
Here’s a special bonus episode of “The Principal Liner Notes Podcast.” This is an instant episode in honor of the 57th Anniversary of my favorite album by The Monkees. Stay tuned for another episode to post very soon featuring a very special and inspiring guest. Podcasting is my passion and I love the conversation, connection, and growth in each episode. You can subscribe to my podcast here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sean-gaillard or follow on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/@seangaillard3841?si=d3ZqaoJOxmUHChAu.
There, I had done it. I clicked the “Publish” button on my blog post draft. I could almost hear the applause in the background. The feeling of accomplishment in completing a piece of writing is a rush that emanates with satisfaction. I am not a mountain climber, but I do feel like I am perched proudly atop Mt. Everest. Writing has a grind similar to a hard workout, and once completed, there’s an exhilarating sense of achievement, a triumph over the doubts that come with sharing your ideas with the world.
I write for many reasons. First and foremost, I simply love it. I love the process and the connection it fosters with others. Leadership can be a lonely endeavor, and writing for me is a gateway to individual reflection, propelling me toward deeper connections. I want my words to resonate with kindred spirits. It can be challenging for leaders like me to find such connections, so I strive to maintain outreach, always seeking opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth.
Lately, that connection through content creation has slowed due to a recent health scare. As a result, my nerve endings are a little more sensitive. However, I am back to a good place with my health and am channeling my reflections from that time into my content creation.
I hope that my gradual return to content creation will be welcomed with open arms by those who have followed me. I envisioned being victoriously held aloft by others in my professional learning network.
Well, none of those daydreams became realities. Consequently, I found myself in a brief space of doubt. Imposter Syndrome reared its ugly head and invited me to dance. I entertained the idea of taking down my content, feeling as though my blog posts and podcasts were adrift in an echo chamber of unacceptance. I believed my words had value and meaning, but the lack of likes and retweets made me feel less valuable as a writer and podcaster. I fell into the comparison trap, measuring my worth based on social media metrics.
This wasn’t the first time I had tasted this despair. Since my health scare, I have been feeling things more deeply. I was ready to fade into the shadows. Then, I got a timely reminder from a song and my favorite human.
My wife, Deborah, always reads me at the right time. She saw something I had posted hinting that I was going to withdraw from creating content. Deb simply asked me two questions:
“Why do you write?”
“Who’s your audience?”
My response was that I write to express myself and connect with others. As for my audience, there is no specific target because I write primarily for myself. Now, I am simplifying a complex conversation for the purposes of this blog, but her questions really hit home. Essentially, it doesn’t matter who likes, retweets, or shares if my purpose in writing is for myself. If my words connect with others, then that’s a beautiful bonus for which I am honored and grateful. If they don’t, that’s okay because I am doing something to fill my soul.
Deb’s words carried me to thinking about that classic song by Rick Nelson, “Garden Party.” The song tells the true story of Nelson playing a 1950s Rock & Roll Revival Concert at Madison Square Garden circa 1971. Nelson had changed considerably since his heyday as a 1950s television and Rock idol. He showed up with long hair, bell bottoms, and a purple velvet shirt. His set included recent songs from The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. The audience did not take kindly to this new version of Rick Nelson, a far cry from the teenage idol they had grown up with. There were reports of Nelson being booed off the stage.
Regardless, Rick Nelson took the elements of this episode of failure and transformed it into a Top Ten hit in 1972. “Garden Party” became the signature song of Rick Nelson’s career. In the song, Nelson reflects on the lessons learned from the audience’s rejection and sums it up beautifully: “But, it’s alright now, I learned my lesson well/You can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself.”
A timely connection for me and anyone struggling to find their footing in the space of content creation. I have to remember that writing is my outlet. If others gather meaning from it, then all the more reason to continue. It’s important to maintain the truth in our expression. Rick Nelson did not compromise his artistic principles, and neither should I. It’s important that I should continue to write from my heart and keep at the process. I simply enjoy it. Creating content in the written word and digital production is an essential outlet to do what I want to do.
Deb’s words of wisdom and the lyrics from “Garden Party” lifted me to a new level of confidence in my expression.
In the journey of content creation, maintaining confidence is crucial. Here are three steps to help you stay confident:
Your content matters because you matter. Embrace your unique voice and share it with the world, knowing that your words have the power to inspire, connect, and uplift others. Keep writing, keep sharing, and keep believing in yourself. I believe in you and the world needs your voice.
As the seasons change, I find myself drawn to celebrate an album that holds a special place in my heart—one of my all-time favorites. I have a deep appreciation for the historic moments marked by the arrival of great works of art. As I write, “Pet Sounds” by The Beach Boys plays joyously in the background. Today marks the 58th anniversary of its release. Although the album debuted four years before I was born, it profoundly impacted my life and continues to resonate with me.
“Pet Sounds” is deeply embedded in my musical soul. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece, often mentioned alongside the monumental works of Beethoven and The Beatles. When we discuss what constitutes a masterpiece, we frequently refer to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony or The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” “Pet Sounds” undoubtedly belongs in this illustrious company.
Brian Wilson, the visionary composer and producer behind The Beach Boys, elevated 1960s pop music to symphonic heights. Collaborating with lyricist Tony Asher and bandmate Mike Love, Wilson crafted a concept album that transcended the band’s earlier surf and car-themed hits. More than a million records sold, and 58 years later, “Pet Sounds” remains a lushly orchestrated album, showcasing The Beach Boys’ genius harmonies and backed by the legendary session musicians of The Wrecking Crew.
Members of The Beatles and their producer, George Martin, have often cited “Pet Sounds” as a crucial influence on their own work, particularly the “Sgt. Pepper” album. Paul McCartney has repeatedly called it the greatest album ever made. It consistently ranks high on lists of the greatest albums of all time; in 2020, Rolling Stone magazine placed it at #2 on their “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
To me, “Pet Sounds” symbolizes creative courage. It reminds us that we all have the potential to create something extraordinary. We may not possess Brian Wilson’s musical genius or Frida Kahlo’s visual artistry, but I believe we all have a spark to create something timeless and impactful. Anything we create that positively influences someone is, in my view, a masterpiece.
On Brian Wilson’s social media, there’s a clip celebrating the release of “Pet Sounds.” In it, Wilson reflects on the album’s enduring beauty and impact:
“Well, the reason why I think ‘Pet Sounds’ did so well is that we put a lot of love into it… love and energy… It was a combination of good energy and good love.”
Love and energy. These simple elements, according to Wilson, are the foundation of his masterpiece’s creation and longevity. Is it really that simple? Evidently so, if we listen to Brian Wilson.
I believe we should all aspire to create something that can be deemed a masterpiece. For leaders, adopting a masterpiece mindset is an aspiration that resonates with the “better angels” of any organization, team, school, district, classroom, or department. When we infuse love and energy into our endeavors, we create masterpieces. Small actions and efforts weave together to form a tapestry of greatness.
We have the opportunity to act with love and energy. That’s the leadership lesson of “Pet Sounds.” Lead and inspire others with love, energy, and purpose. When you do that, you create a masterpiece like “Pet Sounds.”
Taking time to pause and reflect is essential for leaders. Placing love and energy at the heart of our actions can transform and leave a lasting legacy, much like a masterpiece.
Leaders need a soundtrack. Not just a playlist for meetings and icebreakers. Our journey is driven by service and selflessness, often forgetting to nurture our own well-being. I’m talking about a personal soundtrack for leaders—a melody that resonates with peace and balance in our lives. Music is the universal remedy that stirs deep emotions and memories.
For me, the world is a soundtrack filled with sounds, notes, and harmonies. Music is the divine thread that connects us to our shared humanity. Each of us carries a beat that shapes our days. I often associate memories with specific songs or albums. For instance, when I hear Bruce Springsteen’s “Girls in Their Summer Clothes,” I’m transported back to a warm June afternoon. The song blared from my car windows as I returned home from school. Spotting my three daughters playing joyfully in the backyard, I was enveloped in a moment of pure bliss. We ran to create each other with hugs and kisses. The song seemed crafted for this snapshot of fatherhood, etching the memory deep within. Music has a way of reminding us of life’s blessings.
Music can transport us through time, reliving moments etched on our life’s canvas. Amid the frenzy of deadlines and endless meetings, leaders can lose touch with why we embarked on this journey. That’s why I infuse my days with music—it’s my fuel for meaningful pauses. Reflection becomes a reminder of life’s goodness and the limitless possibilities, even amid challenges.
Recently, I rediscovered David Bowie’s “Black Tie White Noise,” an album often overshadowed by his classics. This gem from 1993 holds a special place in my heart. I remember picking it up on an April afternoon, eager to reunite with the woman who later became my wife. As a first-year teacher navigating the challenges of a new role, the album’s energy and Bowie’s lyrics mirrored my confidence and excitement. Driving to meet Deb, the traffic allowed a stop at a record store, where “The Wedding Song” echoed from the stereo. Bowie’s voice, poignant and urgent, captured the essence of love. I was captivated, buying the CD without hesitation. The album’s ethereal romanticism mirrored my own love story, affirming that all was right in my world.
“Black Tie White Noise” emerged from Bowie’s response to the Rodney King riots and his marriage to Iman—a reflection on racial harmony and personal union. As a young Black man also in a relationship with a White woman, I resonated with Bowie’s introspection. The album’s resonance endures, reminding me of a time filled with hope and promise.
Every note of “Black Tie White Noise” transports me to that spring of ’93—windows down, singing along with Bowie. It’s a reminder of the blessings and the people who uplift me. This soundtrack underscores life’s meaning and my place within it.
Every leader deserves a soundtrack—a melody that echoes our humanity and reminds us of life’s richness beyond our professional realms. Music not only heals but also reaffirms our purpose.
Feel free to share your songs on X or Instagram. Tag me at @smgaillard and use #PrincipalLinerNotes. Let’s celebrate the power of music together.
Let’s harness the power of music to inspire, reflect, and connect.
Please feel free to share these songs on X or Instagram and tag me at @smgaillard and #PrincipalLinerNotes. I would love to share in the Music with you.
| 1. Take intentional time to revisit a song from your past that sparks joy and journal about its significance. |
| 2. Create a shared playlist with colleagues and friends, sharing songs that inspire fond memories. |
| 3. Connect with loved ones through music. Ask them about songs that hold special meaning for them. |
In the realm of music, Daniel Lanois stands as a legendary figure whose influence spans over four decades. While his name might not be immediately recognizable to all, his impact on the industry is profound. As a producer, Lanois has lent his talents to iconic albums by artists such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris, and The Neville Brothers. Yet, perhaps his most celebrated collaboration was with the legendary band U2, co-producing landmark albums like “The Unforgettable Fire” and “The Joshua Tree.”
Recently, a friend shared a video interview of Lanois discussing the making of U2’s groundbreaking album, “Achtung Baby.” In the interview, Lanois exudes humility as he reflects on the creative process behind the album. His simple yet profound philosophy on his role as a producer struck a chord with me: “Listen, man, when I go in the studio, it’s head down, get the job done, be creative, support the house philosophy, obey the house rules, deliver a masterpiece, and get on with your life.”
Lanois’ words resonate far beyond the realm of music production. They speak to the essence of leadership—of guiding, supporting, and inspiring others to achieve greatness. Just as Lanois supported U2 in creating a masterpiece, leaders in education must foster an environment where every member of the community can contribute their unique gifts towards a shared vision of excellence.
True collaboration goes beyond mere lip service. It requires leaders to tune into the strengths of those they serve and to relentlessly invite everyone to share their gifts. This means moving beyond the superficialities of titles and status and embracing a genuine appreciation for the diverse talents within the organization. By doing this we help to nurture a culture abounding with a sense of belonging and psychological safety.
As leaders, we must cultivate a culture of collective efficacy—one where every individual feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful contribution. Just as Lanois stepped aside to let U2’s vision shine, leaders must remove barriers and facilitate the emergence of greatness within their teams. Lanois’ move was a true leadership move. He put his ego aside in service of supporting the band’s vision.
Authentic collaboration, grounded in a deep appreciation for the strengths of others, is the key to creating masterpieces in education. By shifting our mindset from mere task delegation to the intentional celebration of each individual’s gifts, we can elevate our schools and districts to new heights of excellence.
Let us heed the wisdom of Daniel Lanois and strive to deliver masterpieces in our own realms of leadership. Let us keep our heads down, focus on the work, but also hold them high to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of others. Together, we can create timeless works of art that positively impact the lives of students and educators for generations to come. Who knows? With dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, we may just produce our own “Achtung Baby.”
| 1. Individual Strength Scouting Walks: Visit classrooms and learning spaces without an evaluative lens. Spend time in these spaces with the intention of finding strengths in the people you serve. Take note of these strengths and curate a list for future reference. It’s always important to leave a note of gratitude for that teacher and cite a specific strength you experienced being demonstrated. |
| 2. Strength-Based Follow Up: Take a couple of minutes and invite conversation with that teacher. Share the specific strengths and gifts you witnessed. A conversation filled with warmth and support from the leader goes a long way in building psychological safety for others. |
| 3. Team Strength Scouting Walks: What if the school leader inviting others to join in Strength Scouting Walks? You can really shift the mindset on classroom walkthroughs and instructional rounds by encouraging others to join you in finding strengths in action in the schoolhouse. |
| 4. Strengths Curation: There are many tools out there to survey staff on their individual strengths. Using Gallup’s Strengths Finder or Patrick Lencioni’s The Six Types of Working Genuis are great resources to curate the strengths of everyone in the schoolhouse and district. School leaders can follow-up with team-based activities to curate the strengths of the entire faculty and have a resource for others to refer to when building efforts for collective efficacy. |
You can view the interview with Daniel Lanois here:
Leadership Liner Notes: Sean Gaillard 