5 Mindset Shifts That Separate Successful School Leaders from the Rest

What Sets Exceptional Leaders Apart? Start Here

Every principal steps into their role with a vision for success—but why do some leaders thrive while others struggle under pressure? In my 30 years in education, especially leading schools through tough turnarounds, I've noticed it's rarely talent or knowledge alone that sets effective leaders apart. Instead, it comes down to mindset. The strongest leaders adopt intentional shifts in how they approach challenges, view relationships, handle feedback, and build systems. These mindset shifts aren’t abstract—they’re practical, actionable ways of thinking that shape daily decisions and create lasting impact. If you’re ready to level up your leadership, here are five essential mindset shifts that truly separate successful school leaders from the rest.

1. Ownership Over Excuses 

Leaders who turn around struggling campuses choose accountability over blame, fostering proactive problem-solving rather than frustration. They own the responsibility for learning. They own their role in how the current climate of the campus is – good or bad. I love working with these leaders because they don’t pass the buck to anyone. They are looking for those tweaks to their leadership style that will make the most impact.

2. Relationships Before Results 

Results come through genuine relationships built on trust, compassion, and respect—leaders succeed by prioritizing people first.  This is a major reason why the default setting for campus leaders is to be in the classrooms.  You build those relationship when you are near your staff and students.  They are not built in your office.  Go back and read 5 Dysfunctions of a Team or The Advantage by Pat Lencioni.  He explains this so well!  

3. Feedback as Fuel, Not Criticism 

The strongest leaders actively seek feedback to improve rather than viewing it as personal critique or judgment.  Think about your Master Teachers.  They want feedback every time you step foot in their classroom.  Your consistent, in-time feedback will help a teacher become better at the end of the day and just not one day more experienced.  Imagine how a teacher feels if day after day you tell him/her that they ROCK!  Can’t you imagine how their confidence is going to grow?  Don’t you think they will be making better and better decisions for the students if that happens?  I do.

4. Systems Thinking Beats Quick Fixes 

Long-term success relies on viewing the campus holistically—leaders shift their mindset from isolated solutions to interconnected systems.  Once you understand systems thinking, you start looking at dials that need to be adjusted rather than which fires need to be put out first.  Adjusting one system might solve several problems and quicker than working on individual problems one at a time.  The quote: “A bad system will beat a good person every time” is real!  Are you burned out?  Exhausted? Ready to quit?  Learn about systems thinking as soon as possible.

5. Authenticity Over Authority 

True leadership influence comes from authenticity, humility, and genuine connection—not hierarchical authority or rigid control.  When you greet people, either at the front door or in their classroom, give them a hug or shake their hand.  Look them in the eye and thank them for being there.  Adopt the word “appreciate” for a week or two and challenge yourself to use it as many times as possible.  

Sharpen Your Leadership Focus

Self-check time.  Where is your mindset in each of these areas?  How close are you? What small adjustments could you make?  Who can help you stay on point during this last leg of the race?  What conversations do you need to have with members of your leadership team so that they are checking their mindsets?  I challenge you to raise the expectations for you and your leadership team.  Your staff and students will benefit from this type of work from the leader of their campus.