Relationships first, then the other stuff.

Colleagues,

Merry Christmas Eve Day! We are taking the rest of the week off, so enjoy this morning’s message!

In yesterday’s podcast, I shared about ten things I learned or was reminded of at a recent conference.

Dr. Jake Wilson, NC Charter Schools’ Principal of the Year, responded to a question asking if relationships were the most important thing for being a school leader.

He responded, “I don’t know if it is the most important thing, but it is the first thing.”

I loved this response because it captures an essential truth. Building relationships is not enough. Relationships are not the end point; they are the beginning point.

Building relationships means we can learn what people need, how to leverage their strengths, and create trust so that they will be willing to take risks and try new things.

I’m happy to acknowledge Kaleidoscope Adventures as a sponsor of yesterday’s episode of The Assistant Principal Podcast! I appreciate their support and encourage you to connect with them if you are thinking about planning a school trip!

Cheers!

​Frederick