Welcome to Leading with Purpose

Welcome to the first issue of Leading with Purpose! If you’re here, it’s because you care deeply about more than just getting through the school day. You’re invested in making a real, lasting impact on your students, your staff, and your community. You understand that school leadership isn’t just about managing schedules or checking boxes—it’s about showing up with intention, leading from the heart, and making decisions that reflect your core values.

I wanted to create Leading with Purpose as a space for us to have real conversations about what it means to lead in today’s schools. It’s a place for us to explore the challenges, share the successes, and dig into the questions that matter. Together, we’ll look at ways to foster inclusive, equitable, and innovative environments where every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and valued.

In this newsletter, you can expect a mix of practical tips, inspiring stories, and deep reflections—all with the goal of helping you lead with authenticity and purpose. We’ll dive into topics that align with the values I hold dear: empathy, growth, equity, connection, and integrity. I believe that when we lead from these principles, we create the kind of school cultures where everyone can thrive.

Today’s issue kicks things off with a focus on three key elements of purposeful leadership: empathy in action, adaptive leadership, and community connection. We’ll look at how to bring more compassion into our schools, how to stay flexible in a rapidly changing educational landscape, and how to strengthen the bonds that hold our school communities together.

I’m excited to be on this journey with you (and yes, I know I said I don’t like the word 'journey,' but this feels like an exception). Let’s dive in, and here’s to leading with purpose—together.

Empathy in Action

Creating Compassionate School Environments

In a world where challenges seem to multiply by the day—both inside and outside the classroom—empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have trait for school leaders; it’s essential. It’s the foundation of building a school culture where every student and staff member feels valued and understood. Empathy allows us to meet people where they are, offering the kind of support that goes beyond words and policies. When we lead with empathy, we make space for real, human connection, which is often the missing ingredient in educational environments focused solely on outcomes and data.

Practical Tips for Bringing Empathy into Your School

1. Active Listening It’s easy to say we’re listening, but true active listening means pausing our inner dialogue and focusing entirely on the other person. The next time you find yourself in a tough conversation—whether it’s with a frustrated parent, a struggling student, or a stressed-out teacher—try this: Listen without interrupting, hold back your instinct to solve the problem immediately, and acknowledge their feelings before responding. It’s a small act, but it can make a world of difference.
2. Building a Culture of Care Empathy isn’t just about individual interactions; it’s about the environment we create. One way to embed empathy into your school’s culture is by implementing restorative practices. Instead of focusing on punishment, these practices encourage students and staff to take ownership of their actions and work together to repair harm. Encourage peer support systems as well—having students look out for one another fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
3. Supporting Mental Health Mental health challenges don’t disappear when we step into the school building—they often become more visible. As leaders, we can create spaces where it’s okay to not be okay. Consider small actions like providing a quiet room for overwhelmed students or offering mental health days for staff. These gestures show that you prioritize well-being over productivity, and they help build trust and loyalty among your team.

Empathy in Action: A Real-Life Example

I recently spoke with a principal who decided to hold regular "listening circles" with her staff during a particularly stressful semester. She made space for everyone to share their challenges openly, without fear of judgment or repercussions. The result? Not only did it strengthen the bond among her team, but it also led to creative solutions that helped ease the collective stress. One teacher shared, "It was the first time I felt like my voice truly mattered here." This simple act of listening transformed the school climate and reminded everyone that they were part of a supportive, caring community.

In today’s educational landscape, leading with empathy isn’t just about being kind—it’s about creating the conditions where real learning and growth can happen. When we lead with compassion, we set the stage for a school environment that prioritizes people over policies, and that’s where the magic begins.

Learning and Growth Spotlight

Adaptive Leadership Techniques for Today’s Schools

School leadership today is nothing if not complex. Between shifting student needs, evolving policies, and unexpected challenges, it’s easy to feel like we’re navigating a constantly changing landscape. That’s where adaptive leadership comes in. It’s a framework that isn’t about having all the answers but about responding thoughtfully to what’s in front of us, even when the path isn’t clear. Adaptive leaders embrace uncertainty, value diverse perspectives, and understand that growth often comes from trying, failing, and trying again.

Key Adaptive Leadership Principles

1. Embrace Uncertainty Let’s be real: certainty is a luxury we don’t have as school leaders. Decisions often need to be made quickly, and the information at hand is rarely complete. Rather than waiting for the perfect answer, adaptive leaders lean into the unknown. They’re comfortable making choices based on the best data available at the moment, knowing that it’s better to move forward and adjust than to stay stuck in analysis paralysis. It’s about trusting yourself and your team to handle whatever comes next.
2. Seek Diverse Perspectives Adaptive leadership isn’t a solo endeavor. The best decisions are informed by a chorus of voices, not just the ones that echo our own thoughts. Whether it’s your veteran teachers, new hires, support staff, or even students, there’s value in listening to those who see things from a different angle. When you involve a diverse group in decision-making, you get a more complete picture of the problem and a wider range of possible solutions. Plus, it builds trust and buy-in from your school community.
3. Iterative Problem-Solving We often feel pressure to get things right on the first try, but adaptive leadership embraces the idea of “test and learn.” It’s about making small changes, observing the results, and then adjusting course as needed. This approach not only reduces the risk of large-scale failures but also creates a culture where experimentation is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.

Practical Application: Adaptive Leadership in Action

A principal I know found herself facing an unexpected staffing shortage mid-year. Instead of panicking or trying to fill the positions immediately with whoever was available, she took a step back and asked her team for input. Together, they came up with a temporary solution: a rotating coverage schedule that leaned on support staff and volunteers until permanent hires could be made. The plan wasn’t perfect, but it allowed the school to stay focused on student learning without burning out any one group of staff members. By listening to her team and remaining flexible, she turned a potential crisis into a manageable challenge.

Reflection Prompt

Take a moment to consider your own leadership. What adaptive strategies have you used when things didn’t go as planned? How did those decisions impact your school community? I’d love to hear your stories—this is a space for us to learn and grow together.

Community Connection

When a School Becomes a Family

I think we all know this truth: schools don’t exist in a vacuum. When we build genuine connections with our communities, it changes everything. It’s like planting seeds—we might not see the impact right away, but the roots grow deep, creating a strong foundation that holds up the whole school. Let me share a story that really brings this to life.

The Challenge: Feeling Like We’re on Different Teams

A principal I know (let’s call her Maria) was facing a tough situation. Her school had amazing teachers, eager students, but a big problem—parents weren’t showing up. Whether it was for conferences, school events, or even simple check-ins, there was a sense of distance and disconnection. Maria knew it wasn’t because families didn’t care; it was because they felt like they didn’t belong.

The Solution: A Different Kind of School Event

Instead of doing what had always been done (and expecting different results), Maria decided to shake things up. She planned a Community Welcome Night that felt more like a block party than a typical school meeting. There were food trucks from local vendors, games for the kids, and tables set up with information about local services—everything from healthcare to job assistance. Maria also made sure bilingual parent volunteers were there to greet families, making it clear that this event was for everyone, no exceptions.

The Outcome: Magic Happens When People Feel Welcomed

The night was a turning point. Families who had never set foot in the school before showed up, and they didn’t just pop in and leave—they stayed, talked, and connected. One parent told Maria, “This is the first time I’ve felt like this school actually wants us here.” That single event led to a surge in parent involvement. Suddenly, there were more volunteers, better communication between home and school, and a noticeable shift in the overall vibe. The school felt like a community, not just a building.

Quick Wins for Building Community Connection

1. Make It Fun, Not Formal: If you want families to show up, make it an event they’d actually want to attend—casual, inviting, and centered around connection.
2. Tap Into Local Talent: Partner with community businesses or local groups. They can offer resources, and it shows families you’re part of the same community.
3. Meet People Where They Are: Language barriers or unfamiliar settings can keep families away. Make sure you have friendly faces and translators to help everyone feel included.

Your Turn: Share Your Story

I know many of you have done incredible work to strengthen your school communities, and I’d love to hear about it. What’s a connection initiative you’ve tried that made a difference? Or, if you know someone whose story should be featured, drop me a line. Let’s keep the conversation going—we’re all in this together.

Parting Thoughts

As we wrap up this first issue of Leading with Purpose, let’s take a moment to reflect on the core ideas we’ve explored together. Leading with empathy isn’t just a leadership buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of creating a school culture where everyone feels valued. Adaptive leadership gives us the flexibility to navigate the inevitable twists and turns of our work. And building community connections? That’s where we see the magic happen—the kind of impact that goes far beyond our school walls.

In the next issue, we’ll dive deeper into strategies for fostering equity and inclusivity, share creative solutions for student engagement, and highlight more inspiring stories from leaders like you who are making a difference every day.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this first issue. What resonated? What do you want more of? And if you’ve got a story or topic idea, don’t be shy—send it my way. Let’s make this a conversation, not just a newsletter.

I’ll leave you with a favorite quote of mine: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

Here’s to leading with purpose!

Onward together,

Russell