The Six Triple Eight: What a WWII Women’s Army Unit Can Teach Us About Leading Schools
Lessons in Leadership: What Six Triple Eight Taught Me About Women Leading Schools with Excellence
As I watched Six Triple Eight, a moving portrayal of the only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II—I couldn’t help but reflect on its relevance to women leading in education today. These women, tasked with solving a seemingly insurmountable problem under extreme conditions, offer a powerful blueprint for leadership.
Their story is a reminder of what it takes to lead schools—especially in urban or high-pressure environments where obstacles abound. Here are the key lessons Six Triple Eight taught me about the unique strengths and challenges of women in school leadership.
1. Leadership is About Solving Problems, Not Seeking Recognition
The women of Six Triple Eight were handed an overwhelming mission: sort and deliver a massive backlog of undelivered mail to boost troop morale. There was no promise of accolades, just a critical problem that needed solving. They rolled up their sleeves, focused on the task, and cleared the backlog in record time.
For women in school leadership, the parallels are clear. School leaders are often faced with impossible challenges—like addressing teacher shortages, boosting student performance, or resolving conflicts among staff. These tasks rarely come with immediate recognition, yet they define the success of the school.
