You meet the leader who is the loudest, brashest, most polarizing personality. They have resentment and a relentless focus that demands compliance. However, a wealth of research shows how toxic and destructive this leader is, especially in schools. In fact, humility is the engine that produces much greater results for school and student success.
A classic on this topic, Good to excellent, characterizes successful leaders by their modesty and openness to feedback. Unpretentious leaders prioritize their team’s collective success over personal glory, fostering a positive, collaborative work environment that ultimately leads to better student outcomes and achievement.
Lead with Humility: Start with Everyone Else
You may wonder if this type of leadership is still relevant, especially since more bombastic leaders seem to prevail today. The answer is a resounding yes. Why then do toxic egos persist in leadership? It all comes down to basic psychology.
People find comfort in ego-driven leaders because they appear confident. These individuals are likely to emerge and Obtain leadership roles due to your charisma and willingness to take risks.. Crisis or volatility can trick us into thinking that these leaders can overcome our problems. Disturbing circumstances attract Arrogant and self-confident individuals who project the perception of strength. and certainty.
The danger is in these Tendency of leaders to thrive by surrounding themselves with people who reinforce their personal interest. and do not question the damage of his excessive pride. Consider how dangerous this is. Unquestionable leaders can cause drastic consequences if not controlled with narrow views.
Schools depend on the type of strong leadership that produces a positive student atmosphere and, subsequently, better outcomes. Marzano’s meta-analysis of 69 studies found Principals profoundly impact student achievement, with highly effective school leaders associated with gains of 10 to 15 percentile points. Trained principals focus on key behaviors, such as supportive instructional guidance and relationships that drive better student outcomes.
Directors who exhibit humility Teachers perceive teachers to be more effective and project confidence by systematically seeking input from others, focusing on teacher development, and admitting mistakes rather than projecting superiority. This style contributes to greater student success by improving teacher engagement, innovation, job satisfaction, and quality of instruction—all signs of motivating school cultures.
Transformational approaches that challenge selfish school leadership are discussed in Main radicals, which points to evidence that embracing democratic, inclusive values and actively working to dismantle oppressive power structures within schools produces much more effective results. These approaches, in addition to culturally sustainable pedagogy, propel these school leaders to become agents of social justice and systemic change, fostering schools that empower diverse students and communities.
A 2017 study revealed that humble leaders prioritize service, build trust and loyalty, and foster openness. Leader Humility It positively influences team creativity and performance, and the strongest impact occurs when there is a constructive competitive climate at work. Indeed, the critical importance of humility in promoting trust, understanding, and collaboration among leaders is clear.
feedback loop
Educational leaders face immense challenges in leading schools to success. While confidence and drive are valuable, ego and arrogance undermine leaders’ effectiveness in achieving success. Leadership based on openness and self-awareness benefits schools through greater teacher engagement, innovation, and learning. Openness and self-awareness can be achieved through shared feedback.
How do we obtain and act on feedback?
DO THIS: Offer surveys to teachers and be sure to respond to their feedback with workable solutions. This doesn’t have to be all-encompassing, but showing effort to address their concerns demonstrates follow-through and responsiveness.
Additional evidence reveals that leader humility promotes beneficial behaviors such as caring and innovation in the workplace. By modeling openness, curiosity, and recognition of teacher strengths, school leaders foster motivation and engagement in the school community.
DO THIS: Celebrate your teachers and students in big and small moments. Simple, practical feedback, such as a post-it with encouraging quotes or certificates related to teachers’ achievements, are effective methods. Engage the school community in positive recognition through programs such as PBIS helps the school community thrive. These have powerful and far-reaching results in setting the tone and contributing to a safe, student-friendly environment.
Evidence shows how humble leaders who can balance confidence and strength, honesty, courage, and commitment to growth set their schools up for success. These factors lay the foundation for empowering students, teachers, and the school to reach their full potential. Understanding the perspective of your school community and responding to their needs is essential.
The benefits for student success
Humble leaders create an environment optimized for student success. By valuing teachers’ perspectives, administrators gain insights that better support the work and morale of their teachers. This results in more effective instruction and enriching classrooms where students can thrive.
Multiplier leaders also avoid isolated decision making and prioritize collaboration with families, students, and the community. This approach ensures that all voices are heard in service of student well-being and growth.
Ultimately, through humility, confidence, innovation, and collective wisdom, educational leaders can fulfill their core purpose: helping every child maximize their success.
