Yesterday I wrote about Chris, a school leader I worked with for years the Ruckus Makers Mastermind. Here's a bit more of his story …

A student Chris taught 13 years ago sent him a LinkedIn message.

Chris hadn't talked to this kid since third grade.

He remembered the kid being a good student. They connected in that typical teacher-student way. Nothing spectacular.

But the message said something Chris didn't expect: "You're a legend."

Chris stared at his screen.

A legend?

He had no idea this student thought that highly of him.

And the wild part … Chris almost didn't apply to the Ruckus Maker Mastermind seven years ago.

When he transitioned from fifth-grade teacher to assistant principal, he was drowning in worry.

His first thought when he joined the group?

"Why are they even letting me in? I have zero leadership experience. I'm going to sound like an idiot."

Imposter syndrome hit hard.

So he did what most new leaders do. He listened. A lot.

He contributed when he could. Mostly the teacher perspective since he hadn't shifted into the admin mindset yet.

But slowly, something changed.

Someone in the group would say: "Wow, that's a really different way to think about it. Thanks for sharing."

And Chris realized: I have something to contribute.

Fast forward seven years.

Chris is now Head of Lower School at his campus.

When his promotion was announced, the faculty clapped. Parents reached out. Former students sent messages.

Like the one calling him a legend.

Point is: You're doing better than you think.

But isolation keeps you from knowing it.

Most principals face the hard stuff alone. They sit in their office spinning their wheels on a problem. They second-guess themselves. They wonder if they're the right person for the job.

But you are the right person for the job. And you probably already have the answers you are seeking.

You just need people who remind you that you belong in the room.

That's what the Mastermind did for Chris.

Not because someone handed him a binder with "How to Stop Being an Imposter" written on the cover.

But because week after week, he showed up. He asked questions. He got feedback. He heard how other leaders thought.

And over time, he stopped wondering if he was good enough.

He started believing he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

The transformation didn't happen overnight.

But it happened.

If you're questioning whether you're the right person for your leadership role, then apply to the mastermind. We’ll set up an exploration call and confirm that it’s a good fit.

Because you're probably already better than you think.

You just need your people to remind you.

Keep Making a Ruckus,

Danny