If You’ve Got Drama Right Now, There’s a Reason

Take a real look at your campus right now. Is there drama? Are people acting unprofessional in one way or another? Side conversations, frustration, negativity, things that just feel off? If that’s happening, it’s not random.

Most of the time, you can trace it back to leadership. Either a problem wasn’t addressed early enough, or there isn’t a clear line of communication, so people start connecting dots that shouldn’t be connected. When there’s no clarity, people fill in the gaps themselves, and they’re usually wrong. They assume intent, create stories, and talk to each other instead of talking to you. Before you know it, you’ve got a culture issue on your hands, and it didn’t happen overnight. It built over time through small moments that were ignored, conversations that were avoided, and expectations that weren’t clearly stated or reinforced.

There’s a clear contrast this time of year. Focused, high-performing schools don’t have drama right now. They don’t have time for it. Everyone is locked in on state testing, and there’s a sense of urgency. People know what matters, and they’re moving in the same direction. Schools that aren’t focused are where the drama shows up, not because those people are worse or care less, but because there’s a lack of clarity, consistency, and direction. Drama fills a vacuum.

If you’re seeing it on your campus, the question isn’t, “Why are they acting like this?” The better question is, “Where have I not been clear?” or “What have I allowed to go unaddressed?” That’s where the work is.

This doesn’t mean you go in and start shutting everything down or calling people out in a way that damages relationships. It means you bring clarity back into the system. Revisit expectations, communicate what matters right now, and address issues directly and respectfully. Get people focused on the work that actually moves the campus forward. When people are clear on expectations and focused on a shared goal, most of the noise disappears, not because you told them to stop, but because they don’t have space for it anymore.

If there’s drama on your campus right now, don’t ignore it and hope it goes away. It won’t. Trace it back, fix the root, and bring clarity. That’s leadership.

Find me if you need me,

John