Are You A Learning Leader?

One of the most defining qualities of great leaders is simple, yet often overlooked: the willingness to keep learning.

Now, a moment of honesty. As a principal, I never loved serving as a highly paid valet for our school’s morning and afternoon car riders. That statement may ruffle a few feathers, but stay with me. My days were filled with constant demands and unexpected challenges, leaving very little time to focus on the deeper work of leadership.

At the same time, I knew that if I wanted to be the best servant leader possible, I had to keep growing.

I had a choice. I could carve out additional time away from my family, or I could intentionally use the 30 to 45 minutes during arrival and dismissal to reflect, plan, research, and learn. I chose the latter, four days a week. I was still present. I was still visible. However, I was also intentional about improving my practice. At the very least, I could say that while my teachers were working to refine their craft, I was learning alongside them and becoming better equipped to support their work.

Now, as a leadership coach and consultant, I pay close attention to how school leaders, district officials, and superintendents engage during coaching and professional learning sessions. The leaders who stand out are not the ones who have all the answers. They are the ones who stay engaged, ask questions, take notes, and actively participate.

Titles do not equal mastery. In fact, believing you have everything figured out may be one of the greatest barriers to growth.

So where do you start? If you are reading this, you are already taking an important step. Share this with another leader. Set aside intentional time for your own growth. Protect it.

Maybe that means not opening car doors one morning. Maybe it means using your lunch differently. The specifics matter less than the commitment.

The message is clear. As a school leader, learning is not optional.

It is essential.