43. 23 Ways to Be a Better School Leader
Mon Sep 01 2025
School leadership is rewarding — and relentless. In this energizing episode, I walk listeners through 23 practical habits and mindset shifts that strengthen influence, improve decision-making, and protect leaders from burnout. Drawing on leadership research and everyday school leadership realities, I cover tactical moves (be visible, have difficult talks,mentor & coach), mindset anchors (choose a growth mindset, listen with empathy, know yourself), and wellbeing practices (go offline, practice mindfulness, take good care of you). This episode serves as a toolkit for principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and aspiring school leaders who seek intentional, steady growth.
Episode highlights — The essentials (selected items from the 23)
Pause More. React Less. — Create space to think, avoid knee-jerk decisions.Listen with Curiosity. — Ask questions, build trust, uncover solutions.Adapt Quickly & Pivot. — Expect change; adjust sails, don’t stay on autopilot.Be Approachable. — Visibility, warmth, and active listening reduce barriers.Fail Fast Forward. — Experiment, learn, iterate — make it safe to try.Be Purpose Driven & Take Care of You. — Lead from your “why” and protect your capacity.Whether you are a new principal, a veteran school leader, or an aspiring administrator, this episode provides practical, bite-sized leadership habits you can start using tomorrow.
Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor.
✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community on Facebook for deeper discussions!✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources.✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too!✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you.
Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan
Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/
#SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife #LeadershipHabits #MindfulLeadership #EdLeadership
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School leadership is rewarding — and relentless. In this energizing episode, I walk listeners through 23 practical habits and mindset shifts that strengthen influence, improve decision-making, and protect leaders from burnout. Drawing on leadership research and everyday school leadership realities, I cover tactical moves (be visible, have difficult talks,mentor & coach), mindset anchors (choose a growth mindset, listen with empathy, know yourself), and wellbeing practices (go offline, practice mindfulness, take good care of you). This episode serves as a toolkit for principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and aspiring school leaders who seek intentional, steady growth. Episode highlights — The essentials (selected items from the 23) Pause More. React Less. — Create space to think, avoid knee-jerk decisions.Listen with Curiosity. — Ask questions, build trust, uncover solutions.Adapt Quickly & Pivot. — Expect change; adjust sails, don’t stay on autopilot.Be Approachable. — Visibility, warmth, and active listening reduce barriers.Fail Fast Forward. — Experiment, learn, iterate — make it safe to try.Be Purpose Driven & Take Care of You. — Lead from your “why” and protect your capacity.Whether you are a new principal, a veteran school leader, or an aspiring administrator, this episode provides practical, bite-sized leadership habits you can start using tomorrow. Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor. ✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community on Facebook for deeper discussions!✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources.✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too!✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you. Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/ #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife #LeadershipHabits #MindfulLeadership #EdLeadership