How Can I Help You Be the Best You Can Be?

Dr. Robyn Hansen is a professor at Northern Arizona University. She was a longtime principal and former President of NAESP. She has also written a book, The Principal’s Desk Reference to Professional Standards: Actionable Strategies for Your Practice. Be sure to get a copy! Dr. Hansen and I met over the summer at the United Conference and then connected later in the summer over Zoom. We had a great conversation, and I left inspired to look for new opportunities to learn and grow.?

Never Say No to Growth Opportunities

One of the standout habits from Dr. Hansen’s career is her unwavering commitment to embracing new opportunities, even when faced with uncertainty. Whenever a superintendent or mentor presented her with a new challenge, she made it a point to say yes, trusting in her ability to learn and adapt. Dr. Hansen’s philosophy is simple: if someone sees potential in you, seize the moment, even if you’re not entirely sure how to navigate it. Her openness to growth allowed her to develop deep expertise in areas that initially felt foreign or intimidating. By saying yes to new responsibilities, she not only expanded her skill set but also gained confidence in her leadership. Her advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward yet powerful—don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you from embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you take the leap.

Balance Through Shared Leadership

Work-life balance has been a guiding principle for Dr. Hansen throughout her leadership journey, and it became a focal point during her presidency at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She strongly believes that creating systems of shared leadership is key to achieving this balance. By empowering others to take on leadership roles, not only do you lighten your own load, but you also foster a deeper sense of ownership and accountability among your staff. Dr. Hansen noted that many teachers prefer to lead from within their classrooms rather than step into administrative roles, but they still want the chance to influence the direction of the school. By offering them leadership opportunities in areas they are passionate about—whether that’s curriculum development, student clubs, or professional development initiatives—you create a culture of collaboration. Additionally, she shared that compensation for leadership doesn’t always have to come in the form of money. Something as simple as allowing a teacher to leave early after staying late for a school event can have a profound impact on morale. Dr. Hansen’s approach shows that when staff members feel valued and supported, both the school and its leaders benefit from improved retention and a stronger sense of community.

Time Management and Reflective Practice

Dr. Hansen is a strong advocate for the Breakthrough Coaching model, which places an emphasis on intentional time management and maximizing efficiency. For her, effective leadership isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. She encourages school leaders to be highly visible during the moments that matter most, such as when teachers are starting their day or students are transitioning between classes. To make this possible, she advises leaders to maintain a well-structured schedule, publicizing it so that staff know exactly when and how to reach them. This kind of transparency not only streamlines communication but also protects valuable time from being consumed by unnecessary distractions. Beyond just managing time, Dr. Hansen emphasizes the importance of reflection. She regularly engages in reflective practice, constantly evaluating whether her leadership strategies are truly effective.

Thank you, Dr. Hansen, for your time and advice!