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.

Effective school leaders focus on solutions. They prioritize what their students and staff need most and put their egos aside to get the job done. Ask yourself: Are my efforts aimed at truly solving problems, or am I getting distracted by external validation?

2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The Six Triple Eight story is one of resilience. They faced racism, sexism, and the physical hardships of war, yet they persevered. They didn’t allow their circumstances to define their ability to succeed.

School leadership, especially in urban settings, demands resilience. Women leaders often face unique challenges, from bias against their authority to the constant balancing act between personal and professional responsibilities. Add to this the pressures of the educational system—budget constraints, political challenges, and the emotional weight of serving students in need—and resilience becomes essential.

Resilient leaders find strength in their purpose. They confront challenges head-on, knowing their efforts pave the way for both students and staff to thrive.

3. The Power of Collaboration and Teamwork

The women of Six Triple Eight succeeded because they operated as a cohesive unit. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, they shared a common goal and leaned on each other’s strengths to accomplish it.

School leaders, too, must cultivate collaboration. No principal can transform a school alone. Building a cohesive team of administrators, teachers, and support staff is crucial. Trust and collaboration are the foundation for success in any school environment.

One of the most impactful lessons I share with school leaders is that leadership is not about doing everything yourself—it’s about empowering your team to work together toward shared goals. Collaboration is not a weakness; it’s a strength that multiplies your impact.

4. Visionary Leadership Paired with Accountability

The leaders of Six Triple Eight understood the importance of their mission. Delivering mail wasn’t just about logistics—it was about morale and connection. They cast a compelling vision for their team and held everyone accountable to high standards.

This dual approach is vital in school leadership. Principals and assistant principals must set a clear vision for their schools, whether it’s improving academic performance, building a healthier culture, or retaining talented teachers. But vision alone isn’t enough—it must be paired with accountability.

Accountability in schools can look like consistent teacher evaluations, transparent communication, or holding yourself to the same standards you expect of your team. When paired with empathy, accountability inspires teams to reach new heights.

5. Building a Legacy That Inspires Others

Perhaps the most profound lesson from Six Triple Eight is their legacy. Their work wasn’t just about solving an immediate problem—it paved the way for future generations of women leaders, showing what could be accomplished despite the odds.

School leaders have the unique opportunity to build legacies that last long after their tenure. Every decision you make—hiring the right teachers, creating equitable systems, mentoring your leadership team—leaves a mark on your school and community.

Legacy-building in education is about more than academic results; it’s about shaping lives. It’s ensuring that students, teachers, and staff remember your leadership as transformative and empowering.

Conclusion

The story of the Six Triple Eight Battalion is a testament to the power of women leading with courage, strategy, and vision. For women in school leadership, their example offers timeless lessons: focus on solving problems, lead with resilience, build collaborative teams, set a clear vision, and leave a legacy of excellence.

As women in leadership, we often navigate challenges that demand extraordinary strength and determination. Yet, just like the women of Six Triple Eight, we are capable of rising to meet them. Their story reminds us of our power to transform not only the spaces we lead but also the lives we touch.

So, I challenge you: What legacy will you leave in your school? How will you lead with the courage and commitment of the trailblazing women who came before us?

Their story is not just history—it’s a call to action for every woman in leadership to step into her power and make a lasting impact.