You know the work matters. You want to get into classrooms, address that difficult conversation, or revisit the priorities your team identified back in August. So what keeps getting in the way of beginning?
In this special midweek episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin Peppard shares a conversation with a principal during a coaching visit in Omaha, Nebraska. One observation—“It’s the start that stops most people”—becomes a challenge to examine the leadership work we keep putting off.
The Cycle of Chaos gives leaders plenty of obvious starting points: answer the phone, respond to the parent, handle the hallway issue. But the work connected to your purpose often requires you to create the starting point yourself. Darrin explores how clarity and intentionality help turn that intention into action.
Three moves to help you begin:
Using classroom visits as a practical example, Darrin also discusses how roles, coverage, and shared expectations can create the conditions that help an administrative team follow through.
Your midweek challenge: Finish this sentence: “Tomorrow, at this time, I will take this first action.” Put it on your calendar, ask for the support you need, and decide when you’ll return to the work.
“You can take the work seriously without making the first step enormous.”
Thank you to our sponsors:
HeyTutor — In-person, high-dosage tutoring for K–12 schools and districts, with recruiting, hiring, training, and supervision handled by HeyTutor.
Curriculum Leadership Institute — A partner in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment across your district. Mention Leaning Into Leadership to receive 5% off your first year of partnership.
Share this episode with a leader who could use a clear place to begin, and remember to rate, review, and subscribe.