The Evergreen Leader

by Asha Dullabh, Clinical Psychologist

Leadership in education is not just about managing a school—it’s about shaping the future. At this year’s Middle East School Leadership Conference (MESLC), the theme of Building a Leadership Legacy resonated deeply. School leaders today are not only responsible for academic excellence but for cultivating an environment where students, teachers, and communities thrive long after their tenure.

Following MESLC, I had the opportunity to explore this further in a short podcast conversation with Zoubiya Ahmed, where we discussed the concept of the Evergreen Leader—a school leader whose influence extends beyond immediate results, fostering a system that is sustainable, resilient, and continuously evolving. But as we spoke, one realization became clear:

Leadership and anxiety have unfortunately become synonymous in education.

School leaders face relentless pressure—curriculum demands, teacher well-being, student mental health, parental expectations, and regulatory changes. The weight of decision-making often leaves little room for clarity or reflection. And so, the key question every school leader must ask is:

In the last 24 hours, did I have even a single moment free of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty?

If the answer is no, then leadership is not about building a legacy—it has become about survival. And survival mode is not where true leadership flourishes.

The Three Pillars of Legacy-Driven School Leadership

?? Leader – You don’t think you are a leader—others think you are a leader. In schools, leadership is about more than holding a title; it is about influence. The strongest school leaders create an environment where teachers are empowered, students are inspired, and the culture nurtures growth. Just like a tree that provides shade without demanding recognition, a true leader’s impact is felt, not announced.

?? Legacy – School leadership should not be about quick wins or test scores alone. A lasting legacy is built through the relationships nurtured, the values instilled, and the systems developed that continue to grow even when leadership changes. Legacy is like the deep roots of a tree—often unseen but essential for long-term stability and resilience.

?? Sustain – In nature, sustainability is key to survival. A river does not hold onto its water; it flows, nourishing everything in its path. A great school leader does not control every detail but instead builds a system where others can lead, innovate, and carry forward a shared vision. Sustainable leadership is about creating a culture that thrives beyond the tenure of any single individual.

The School Leadership-Anxiety Trap

Modern school leadership often feels like a relentless cycle of pressure—balancing student outcomes, staff well-being, and external expectations. Many school leaders believe that if they are not anxious, they are not doing enough. But the best school leadership does not come from a place of stress—it comes from presence, wisdom, and the ability to create systems that function beyond the leader.

A thriving school is not dependent on a single person. Just as an ecosystem flourishes because of its interdependence, a well-led school is one where leadership is distributed, teachers are empowered, and students develop the skills to navigate their futures confidently.

The highest form of leadership is not control—it is cultivation. The best school leaders create more leaders, not just more followers.

Supporting School Leaders Beyond Anxiety

As a clinical psychologist working with school leaders, I see firsthand how the pressures of education leadership can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a feeling of constant firefighting. My workshops and leadership coaching are designed to help school leaders break free from stress-driven leadership and step into a model of sustainability.

I work with principals, school administrators, and educational leaders to:

? Shift from reactive to proactive leadership

? Cultivate resilience in themselves and their teams

? Develop a legacy that extends beyond their tenure

? Create a school culture that sustains itself

True school leadership is not about being remembered—it is about ensuring that something greater than ourselves continues to thrive.

So, I leave you with this question:

If, in the last 24 hours, you did not experience a single moment of peace, are you truly leading? Or are you simply surviving?