Leadership lessons that you won't find in a textbook...

A leader told me this week:

“I’ve learned that the best way to develop others is NOT to tell them their classroom is sh*t.”

Solid advice.

(Honestly, put it on a mug.)

It made us both laugh – but it also reminded me how easy it is to mistake bluntness for impact.

True leadership – especially in schools – isn’t about shock tactics or ego.

It’s about:

✔️ noticing what’s working

✔️ being curious, not critical

✔️ giving feedback that is both constructive and grows confidence, not shuts people down

✔️ asking “What support would help you get where you want to be?”

No one’s ever been inspired by humiliation.

And no one thrives in a culture of fear.

So yes – there are ineffective classrooms.

But the real question is: How do we help people improve without damaging their belief that they can?

What’s a leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way?