Lead Above the Line + A Simple Brainstorm Hack

Author

Danny Bauer
May 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Hey — It’s Danny.

In today’s newsletter:

  • How to get on-demand coaching turbocharged by AI

  • Will AI replace teachers in the next 10 years?

  • Are you leading above or below the line?

  • The perfect activity to kick off brainstorming

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OFF CAMPUS

A MESSAGE FROM SLOAN LEADERSHIP

Leading a school can feel like a lonely, nonstop decision-making marathon.

That’s why I’m inviting you to something different: the VIP Leadership Lounge, created by my friend Michelle.

It’s a space built for school leaders, by a school leader, offering practical solutions, ongoing support, and a monthly lineup of powerhouse mastermind sessions.

In two days (May 6) I'll be speaking soon on how to Do School Different, and I’d love for you to join me there.

But don’t just come for my session—stay for the network, the resources, and the monthly wisdom from other incredible leaders and authors.

DO SCHOOL DIFFERENT

LEADING FROM ABOVE THE LINE

So I've been working on my leadership.

I've hired a CEO coach and have been reading books on leading organizations. One book I just finished is called The Great CEO Within: The Tactical Guide to Company Building.

Chapter 15 introduced an idea called "Conscious Leadership ." According to the book there are two types of leadership: above and below the line.

Above the line leadership is conscious leadership. You are open, curious, and committed to learning.

Below the line is reactive leadership. You are closed, defensive, and committed to being right.

This line was a wake up call:

❝

"Knowing that you're below the line is more important than being below the line. The first mark of conscious leadership is self-awareness and search for truth. The second is pausing, taking a second, shifting yourself into an open and curious state, and rising above the line."

How does one be a conscious leader?

They follow these principles:

  • Take radical responsibility: Everything that happens in your life is because of you.

  • Learn through curiosity: Every opportunity is a chance to learn.

  • Feel all feelings: Avoid resisting and repressing feelings.

  • Speak candidly: Say what you mean. Mean what you say.

  • Eliminate gossip: Talk directly with people.

  • Demonstrate integrity: Keep your agreements.

  • Show appreciation: Gratitude is a super power.

  • Live a life of play and rest: Have fun and recuperate. Top performers do this.

  • Explore the opposite: Maybe the story you're telling yourself isn't the only truth.

Do these principles and you'll lead above the line.

I'm curious. Which will you work on this week? Hit "reply" and let me know.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Remember That Time: Train Your Brain for Better Team Brainstorms

Before you run your next brainstorm, run this quick experiment:

It’s called "Remember that time when..." and it’s a game-changer from Creative Acts for Curious People.

Here’s how to do it:

(You’ll need to people to play)

Round 1: The Speaker says, "Remember that time when…" and starts a story. The listener says NO — shuts it down. (Notice how fast the energy dies. How it crushes momentum. How bad it feels.)

Round 2: Start again. This time the listener says YES… and … adding fuel to the story.

(Notice how ideas build. How laughter sparks. How the room comes alive.)

The lesson:

  • Blocking kills creativity.

  • YES… AND builds it.

If you want bold ideas, different outcomes, and a better future for your school, you can’t lead like a gatekeeper. You have to lead like a builder.

Ruckus Makers know:

  • It’s easy to say no.

  • It’s easy to crush ideas before they take root.

Next time you lead a brainstorm, start with “Remember that time…”

And practice building, not blocking.

ALBA

Blue is second to Purple for Alba.

CLASS DISMISSED

Whenever you’re ready, here’s 3 ways we can help you Do School Different.

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