Recently, I had the inspiring opportunity to connect with a fantastic group of educators who are exploring formal leadership roles. I use the word “formal” because, in reality, every teacher or staff member in a school is a leader in their own right. That said, while sharing my own journey, this dynamic group asked some truly thoughtful questions, including:

• Would you do it again?
• Would you rather have stayed in the classroom?
• You transitioned from being a high school teacher and administrator to working in an elementary school—do you have any regrets?
• What does it take to be a successful administrator?

Their curiosity and insights made for a meaningful and engaging discussion. In particular, the last question is layered, as it requires reflecting on what success truly looks like in a school. Success varies across all aspects of life, including school leadership. Every school leader has their own focus and their unique way of measuring success, making this question both personal and complex.

For me, success always comes down to the “temperature” in the building. As a school principal, I am not solely responsible for that temperature, but I must always be aware of it. Moreover, I have the power to influence it—positively or negatively. From the atmosphere in the main office to the hallways and staff room, being a principal requires a keen sense of a school’s climate and the ability to adapt to constant change.

The role involves observing and responding to shifting patterns, easing tensions, and maintaining balance. What you absolutely want to avoid is becoming the storm that frightens, disrupts, or damages the essential infrastructure that makes a school thrive. This infrastructure, at its core, is made up of the relationships that shape a school’s culture. Before you can lead instruction and influence change, you need to take the time to know people. I knowing people is also to value who they are.

For me, success means continuously learning from others while modeling the value of positive relationships. This also includes navigating conflict, as it’s inevitable in any relationship. What truly matters is how you manage and resolve it. This reflects having high expectations for engagement—professional, graceful, courageous, and purposeful.

Ultimately, healthy relationships foster a sense of trust and shared purpose, which are key to having a positive impact as a leader. As leadership author John C. Maxwell once said, “Relationships are the foundation of leadership. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

In this video, John C. Maxwell shares his thoughts on what he believes is crucial for the success of any organization: leaders who truly value people. It’s a must-watch for anyone considering formal leadership roles, including those in school administration.