Across the country, I have the privilege of coaching PLC teams and leading professional development with passionate educators, and here’s one truth we’ve learned together: no one can do it all. Teachers can’t teach every standard to the same level of mastery because there just aren’t enough hours in the day. The same is true for principals–they cannot do everything with the same level of quality and attention.
The role of the principal is more complex than ever. With hearts fully in the work, leaders face constant challenges that make it hard to focus on what truly drives learning. That’s why the five pillars of What Makes a Great Principal matter. They offer more than guidance; they bring clarity.
They help leaders shift from reacting to leading with purpose. Because when principals have space to lead intentionally, the ripple effects reach every student, every classroom, every day.
Sometimes moving forward as leaders means first figuring out what to let go. Here are some things that I encourage others to (not) do and continue to work on myself!
1. Stop Responding to Every Crisis
Servant leadership isn’t about doing everything; it’s about keeping people at the center of your work.
Trust your team.
When leaders jump in to solve every problem, they send the message that others can’t. One of the best things I ever did as a principal was to make an “On-Call” schedule, and I was included in the rotation of people who were designated as the on-call person for any crisis that might arise.
Empowering your staff means stepping back, showing trust, and being there if they need you, not before.
2. Don’t Count on Evaluations to Drive Growth
I have asked principals around the country if they agree with this statement: “You cannot evaluate someone into better performance.”
Even those who initially disagreed reconsidered after thinking it through. It is not evaluation that causes improvement. Growth comes from coaching, feedback, and support.
If you want a teacher to improve, show them you see their strengths and believe in their potential. Help them set ambitious yet attainable goals, and then be the gift of accountability. I was years into my principalship before I learned this valuable lesson.
Check out this video to see how I restructured observations to support continuous improvement.
3. Don’t Set Goals Alone
Research highlights the power of Collective Efficacy, which is the unshakable belief that together we can accomplish great things.
The greatest resource in any school isn’t a program or a product. It’s the collective wisdom, heart, and talent of the staff.
Spring is a season of reflection and renewal, a time to celebrate growth and set our sights on what’s next. While it may be tempting to set goals alone, true progress is fueled by a shared vision.
Collaborative goal-setting fosters mutual accountability and a deep sense of ownership.
One of the five pillars of What Makes a Great Principal is Visionary, and turning vision into reality requires teamwork, clarity, and commitment.
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and this past year must’ve been a blast, because What Makes a Great Principal is already turning one! Over the past year, I’ve been so grateful to share the five pillars with thousands of leaders, and one of my favorite comments came after a keynote: “That was practical as heck!” (She might have said another word .)
That was our goal with this book, not just to inspire, but to help principals focus on what matters most. If you haven’t read it yet, you can check out the book here on Amazon!
If you have read it, we would love to hear about the impact it has made on your practices. Please feel free to share your takeaways on the social network of your choice using the #WhatMakesAGreatPrincipal, and please feel free to tag me and/or George! We would love to hear and learn from you!
