In this blog post I share 5 powerful reflection questions every leader should ask themselves.
Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions, delivering inspiring speeches, or handling unexpected fire drills (both literal and metaphorical). It’s about growing, adapting, and somehow keeping your coffee hot amidst all the chaos. The best leaders don’t just lead; they reflect (preferably with that coffee in hand).
Reflection isn’t about overanalyzing that one awkward staff meeting or wondering if your spirit day costume was too overboard. It’s about pausing, assessing, and using those insights to improve. As January comes to a close, here are five essential questions every educational leader should ask themselves to ensure they’re leading with clarity, purpose, and maybe even a little bit of sanity.
1. Am I Leading with My Values?
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but true leadership means making sure your actions match your beliefs (and not just the ones you said in your interview response). Ask yourself:
What do I stand for as a leader?
Do my decisions reflect my core values and beliefs about education, or am I just running on autopilot?
How would my staff and students describe my leadership approach? (And do I really want to know?)
When your leadership aligns with your values, it builds trust, consistency, and a school culture that thrives on authenticity.
2. How Am I Supporting My Team’s Growth?
Great leaders don’t just manage people; they help them flourish. Your teachers and staff are the backbone of your school’s success (and the ones who keep it from falling into total chaos). Consider:
Have I provided meaningful professional learning opportunities, or just another meeting that could’ve been an email?
Am I fostering a culture of feedback, collaboration, and recognition—or do my teachers avoid me in the hallway?
Do I listen and act on the concerns and ideas of my staff, or do I have the selective hearing of a teenager?
A leader’s impact is multiplied through the development of others. When your team grows, so does your school’s success—and your ability to delegate without losing sleep.
3. Am I Creating a Culture of Engagement and Belonging?
Students and staff thrive in environments where they feel valued, heard, and included. (It also helps if there’s free treats in the lounge - I always kept mine stocked with snacks and sodas, waters, teas and juices in the fridge.) Ask yourself:
Are students actively engaged in learning, or just perfecting their "I’m listening" nods?
Have I created spaces where all voices—students, teachers, families—are genuinely heard, or just places where crickets chirp?
Does my leadership foster a sense of belonging for all members of the school community, or do people feel like they’re just guests in their own building?
A school’s culture is a direct reflection of its leadership. And let’s be real—if your school culture could use a makeover, it starts at the top.
4. How Am I Managing My Own Well-Being?
You can’t lead effectively if you’re running on fumes (or pretending that three Dr Peppers count as breakfast like me). Leaders who neglect their own well-being eventually struggle to support others. Consider:
Have I set boundaries between work and personal life, or am I answering emails at midnight?
Am I prioritizing rest, exercise, and activities that recharge me, or just living off of caffeine and sheer willpower?
Do I have a support system to navigate the challenges of leadership, or is my stress level now a permanent personality trait?
Your well-being directly affects your decision-making, energy, and presence. Take care of yourself—burnout is not a leadership trait worth mastering.
5. What’s My Vision for the Next Month, Semester, or Year?
Strong leaders balance daily tasks with long-term vision. Reflection is only valuable if it leads to action. Ask yourself:
What is my top priority for the next phase of our school’s journey?
How am I communicating that vision to my team, or am I just assuming they’re all mind readers?
What steps am I taking to ensure progress toward that goal, other than crossing my fingers and hoping for the best?
A great leader doesn’t just react to challenges—they anticipate and plan for the future. (Bonus points if you can do it without needing five backup plans.)
Final Thoughts
Educational leadership is an ongoing journey of growth, service, and impact. By regularly asking yourself these five questions, you’ll gain clarity, strengthen your leadership, and build a school community where both educators and students thrive.
As you step into February, take the time to reflect, adjust, and lead with renewed purpose—because the best leaders don’t just move forward; they move forward with intention (and hopefully, with a warm cup of coffee).
Are you ready to invest in yourself as a leader? I’d love to be your thought partner as your leadership coach!