The Check-In
Most days, your brain goes straight to what still needs fixing.
The thing that didn’t go as planned.
The conversation you replayed later.
The decision you second-guessed.
That’s part of leadership — but it’s not the whole story.
The Leadership Shift
Principals are trained to notice problems. It’s how schools stay safe and moving forward.
But strong schools aren’t built only by fixing what’s wrong. They’re built by noticing what’s working — and protecting it.
Sometimes leadership isn’t about adding a new system or refining a process.
Sometimes it’s about knowing when not to touch something that’s steady.
The Strategy
Make a short Do Not Touch list.
Not everything — just a few things:
a routine that’s working
a system that’s finally steady
a team or individual who’s in a good groove
Name it. Appreciate it. Leave it alone.
When everything is constantly being improved, nothing gets a chance to settle.
The Script You Can Steal
To a staff member:
“I noticed how you handled that — thank you.”
To a team:
“This is working. We’re keeping it.”
Recognition doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
Principal Brain Break
Off the Clock
One Night for People, Not Productivity
Pick one night where the goal isn’t efficiency.
Dessert run. A walk. Sitting around talking. A game that goes too long.
You’re allowed to be a whole person — not just a principal.
From the Podcast
We carry these conversations into The Principal Exchange Podcast each week — thinking out loud about leadership, decision-making, and how to lead well without burning out.
From The Principal Exchange
Did you know we’re hosting a virtual winter conference for principals? It’s designed the same way we think about everything at The Principal Exchange: practical ideas, honest conversations, and strategies that actually make sense when you’re back in your building. Save your seat; we’d love to have you join us!
Share the Newsletter!
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Just make sure to use your referral link below to get your entries!
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Closing Thought
You don’t have to be in constant problem-solving mode to be a strong leader.
Sometimes the most powerful move is noticing: this is working.
— Sarah & Andra
