Vicki Wilson, educator, author, and education consultant, joins me for a connected conversation. We discuss Strengths-Based Instruction Rounds, which is the basis for her book, Lead with Instructional Rounds: Creating a Culture of Professional Learning.
Years ago, as a young enthusiast of music, I immersed myself in a biography of The Beach Boys. My love for music biographies runs deep; I cherish learning about the origins of my favorite albums. One chapter in that Beach Boys biography centered around an unreleased album meant to follow their stylistic shift “Pet Sounds” and the #1 hit single, “Good Vibrations.” Brian Wilson, the band’s leader and creative genius, was collaborating with lyricist Van Dyke Parks on an ambitious project that transcended the concept album format. Wilson envisioned it as a “teenage symphony to God,” an album poised to redefine music and tackle grand subjects such as the American Dream. My excitement turned to disappointment upon learning that Brian Wilson shelved the album, leaving only a few tracks scattered across various releases.
I was troubled by Wilson’s lack of confidence and drive to complete this masterpiece. Having heard some of these tracks, I was astounded by their beauty and poetic depth. These compositions were symphonic and grand, with luminaries like Leonard Bernstein recognizing their brilliance. Bernstein praised “Surf’s Up” as “poetic, beautiful even in its obscurity,” highlighting its complexity as emblematic of the innovative changes in pop music. I was astounded that someone like Brian Wilson who is musical genius could not complete his modern-day symphony.
Fortunately, after enduring years of personal struggles, Wilson eventually completed the album, which was warmly received and even earned a Grammy Award. The original tracks were later compiled into a Beach Boys album, also met with acclaim. Yet, I remain in awe of how such a work of pure beauty was almost lost to Wilson’s own version of Imposter Syndrome. Despite his success, Wilson didn’t feel worthy and doubted the album’s merit. His crisis of confidence nearly buried a quantum leap in musical artistry.
This reflection led me to think about leaders in various fields who face similar struggles with Imposter Syndrome. How many innovative ideas have been abandoned due to a lack of courage and the toxic effects of naysayers? I have faced my own bouts with this as a leader, letting confidence gaps stifle new ideas. A recent CNBC report revealed that 71% of CEOs admitted to battling Imposter Syndrome. The lost ideas and solutions, stunted by this struggle, resonate with Wilson’s shelved masterpiece.
According to the American Psychological Society, Imposter Syndrome is is the feeling of doubting your abilities and fearing being exposed as a fraud, even when you are competent and successful. It often involves attributing achievements to luck rather than skill. Imposter Syndrome is like a shadow that follows even the brightest stars, making them feel like they’re just pretending to shine. It’s that nagging doubt that, despite your achievements and hard work, you’re not truly deserving and might be exposed as a fraud at any moment.
Recently, in deep reflection over the past year in my leadership role, I found myself fixated on my failures. Instead of extracting lessons from them, I wallowed in the losses, deeming myself a failure. These sharp feelings of self-doubt echoed the pangs of Imposter Syndrome, making past accolades feel hollow.
My wife, perceptive as ever, noticed my downward spiral and called me out. She challenged me to inventory my achievements, no matter how small. At her urging, I listed every instance where I served, supported, and made an impact. The exercise was revelatory, shifting my focus from despair to empowerment. This shift in perspective led to an epiphany: I want to help others persevere through their own Imposter Syndrome. I am determined to be a thought partner and coach, empowering others to navigate their valleys of self-doubt.
In a recent leadership webinar with Daniel Pink and Stephen M.R. Covey, an epiphany struck me. Hearing these thought leaders together—akin to Hendrix and Clapton sharing a stage—discuss their works, I found revelation. Stephen M.R. Covey has authored many pivotal books on leadership and his recent one, Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others is a game-changer on shifting the paradigm on leadership. Daniel Pink has also authored many though-provoking and his most recent tome, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward is quite compelling. Daniel Pink in the webinar stated that to be a “Trust and Inspire” leader with “Drive,” one must “nurture, guide, and coach” themselves and others. This insight underscored the importance of intentional support and coaching in overcoming self-doubt. There were so many insightful takeaways by both Stephen M.R. Covey and Daneil Pink in their webinar. I am grateful for the reflection, learning, and growth they both inspired.
Leaders need to foster a culture of coaching, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and receives nurturing guidance. In turn, leaders must foster this same culture within themselves to preserve their well-being and leadership core. Creating this intentional space fosters productivity, creativity, collaboration, and innovation. A coaching culture can deflate the potency of Imposter Syndrome, ensuring that potential masterpieces aren’t lost like Brian Wilson’s initial vision for “Smile.”
To cultivate this culture, consider these three moves:
As leaders, it’s crucial to give ourselves grace and recognize our accomplishments. By structuring space for coaching and seeking thought partners, we can empower ourselves and our organizations to overcome Imposter Syndrome. In doing so, we ensure that our collective potential is realized, and no masterpiece is left abandoned.
Embrace the journey, nurture your ideas, and empower others to do the same. Together, we can create a symphony of success.
Check out “Surf’s Up” by The Beach Boys to get a sense of the sheer symphonic beauty intended for the “Smile” album:
Embrace the Wichita Train Whistle: Taking a Creative Leap for Leadership Growth
In the frenetic pace of our daily leadership roles, it’s all too easy to become ensnared in the routine, the predictable, and the safe. However, summer presents a unique opportunity to break free from these confines and embark on a journey of creativity and innovation. Just as Mike Nesmith of The Monkees did with his audacious project, “The Wichita Train Whistle Sings,” leaders today can benefit immensely from taking a radical step away from their normal gigs. Let’s delve into how this seemingly offbeat album can inspire us to break away, iterate, reflect, and ultimately grow.
The Audacious Experiment of Mike Nesmith
In 1968, Mike Nesmith, best known as a member of The Monkees, embarked on a creative odyssey that was as bold as it was unconventional. He created “The Wichita Train Whistle Sings,” an album that was a commercial failure but a personal triumph. This instrumental album, filled with orchestral renditions of Nesmith’s compositions performed by members of the 1960s studio hired guns known as The Wrecking Crew, was a radical departure from his work with The Monkees. Despite its lack of commercial success, this project was a testament to Nesmith’s willingness to explore and innovate. It was a stepping stone that likely fueled his later creative endeavors, both with The Monkees and in his solo career.
Nesmith’s willingness to take this creative risk highlights an essential truth for leaders: sometimes, stepping away from the norm can ignite the spark of innovation and courage necessary for future success.
A Personal Journey: Teaching English at Governor’s School
Reflecting on my own experience, I recall the summers I spent teaching English at Governor’s School. This was a significant departure from my regular responsibilities as an educator and administrator. Immersing myself in this unique educational environment allowed me to view teaching and leadership through a new lens. It reinvigorated my passion for education and provided fresh perspectives that I could bring back to my usual role. I was ensconced with kindred spirits who truly wanted to collaborate and innovate. I was seen and valued by my colleagues for my gifts. I felt a true sense of belonging during this innovative teaching experience. This break from routine was not just refreshing but also instrumental in my professional growth.
Why Leaders Should Take a Creative Leap
Taking a break from your regular routine to engage in something entirely different is not merely a retreat; it’s a strategic move. Here’s why:
The Power of Stepping Away
Sometimes, we need a break from our usual grind to be away from ourselves and the usual people. This break is not an escape but a strategic pause. It’s a breath of fresh air that allows us to connect with new people, scenarios, and locales, ultimately making us better leaders, creators, and innovators. Leaders must take intentional steps to protect well-being and ignite creativity.
Four Action Steps for Leaders
To harness the power of stepping away and embracing the creative unknown, consider these four suggested action steps. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions. You are the captain of your journey towards more creativity and reflection. Don’t let these steps limit your creative pursuits.
Conclusion
As leaders, the summer months offer a prime opportunity to step away from the ordinary and immerse ourselves in the extraordinary. Actively seek out creative pursuits this summer and use that time for learning, reflection, and growth. Channel your inner Mike Nesmith and embark on a creative venture that, while it may not yield immediate commercial success, will undoubtedly enrich your professional and personal growth. Embrace the Wichita Train Whistle philosophy: take bold, creative risks, and watch as your capacity for innovation and resilience flourishes.
Take this summer to connect with new people, explore unfamiliar locales, and dive into new scenarios. Bring back the invaluable experiences to your organization, which is lucky to have your dynamic leadership. Modeling and sharing your learning as a leader helps to build a culture of growth in your organization. That culture of growth will ignite others to take giant steps beyond their realm which only makes the organization better. What radical, creative leap will you take this summer? Dare to innovate, and let the journey transform you.
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.
Leadership Liner Notes: Sean Gaillard 