LeaderSHIFT: The Power of Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning in School Leadership

As a school leader, I've come to realize that the key to success in this ever-evolving field is the ability to adapt and grow. And one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal is the practice of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

Let me share a personal story with you. When I first started out as a school leader, I thought I had all the answers. I had a good leadership coach and was attending all of the leadership conferences, summits, and symposiums that could teach me even more. I was very confident in my training and experience. The one thing I was not prepared for was the adult challenges, the academic gaps that kept getting wider as I enrolled more students in my school, and the shift in the quality of teacher candidates that were applying to serve at my school. As I navigated the challenges of leadership, I quickly realized that what worked in the past may not always work in the present or future.

That's when I embraced the concept of continual learning. I made a conscious effort to unlearn outdated practices and beliefs that were holding me back. In complete transparency, some of the practices and beliefs I had to unlearn came from my district leaders and many of the conferences and leadership summits I was attending over the years. In order to shift my leadership, l opened myself up to new ideas, perspectives, and strategies. And through this process of relearning, I discovered innovative approaches that transformed my leadership style and ultimately, my school.

So, why is this practice so crucial for school leaders like us? Well, the field of education is constantly changing. The students we serve, the teachers we lead, and the challenges we face are always evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, we must be willing to adapt, grow, and evolve.

By learning, unlearning, and relearning, we not only enhance our own leadership capabilities but also create a culture of continuous improvement within our schools. We become more agile, more resilient, and more effective in driving positive change.

So, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you are unlearning in your leadership journey. Are there beliefs or practices that no longer serve you or your school community? What new skills or perspectives can you embrace to propel your leadership to new heights?

Remember, the path to success is not always linear. It's about embracing change, challenging the status quo, and being open to growth. Let's commit to the journey of continual learning, unlearning, and relearning, and watch as our leadership flourishes in ways we never imagined.

Here's to embracing change and unlocking our full potential as school leaders!

I hope this article resonates with you and inspires you to embrace the power of learning, unlearning, and relearning in your own leadership journey. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!