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The 3-word shift that transforms school leadership

The 3-word shift that transforms school leadership

Dan Watt & Danny Bauer
December 30, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

In the final edition of 2024, we're all about winding down, reflecting, and setting yourself up for success in the new year.

Let’s transform your leadership game with positive affirmations and shift into the new year with purpose.

Plus, get a weekly challenge to start your mornings strong with a reflection deck that’ll help you lead with courage.

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,705 learning to Do School Different 🎉

INSPIRATION STATION

🛷 Take a joy ride - an oldy, but a goodie.
📆 Let someone know how much you appreciate them and why, and check out this printable calendar from Action for Happiness for loads more great ideas.
🔮 What does it mean to Do School Different? Read our POV on X or LinkedIn.
🎴 Check out the Ruckus Maker Club’s Reflection Deck, a great way to close out the year and a great tool to motivate your team.

It’s okay to steal — Feel free to share any of these links and how we write about them and drop ‘em right into your staff newsletter this week.

A MESSAGE FROM CLASS COMPOSER

Is your elementary school still creating class lists with colored index cards or sticky notes?

Class Composer offers a streamlined solution for making well-informed student placement decisions in less time.

The best part? You'll create more equitable classrooms that actually work.

Ready to revolutionize class creation?

THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: COMPELLING COMMUNICATION

The Power of Positive Affirmations

"When we change the way we speak to ourselves, we change the way we show up for others," reflects Elena Aguilar, author of The Art of Coaching.

As school leaders, the internal dialogue we maintain shapes not only our personal outlook but ripples through our entire school community. Positive affirmations—brief, powerful statements that reinforce our values and capabilities—can transform our leadership mindset and boost our resilience during challenging times.

Creating effective affirmations is both an art and a science. The most impactful affirmations are:

Present-tense and personal ("I am" rather than "I will be")
Specific and actionable ("I communicate clearly and confidently with my staff" versus "I am a good leader")
Aligned with your core values and authentic leadership style

❝

The most effective leaders are not the ones who have the best ideas; they're the ones who create the best processes for bringing ideas to life.

Michael Fullan

Try these proven affirmations to start:

"I create a positive and supportive environment where both students and teachers thrive"
"I listen with empathy and respond with wisdom to my school community's needs"
"I balance high expectations with compassionate leadership"

Remember, consistency is key.

Start with one affirmation that resonates deeply, practice it daily for a week, and notice how it influences your leadership presence and decision-making.

The most transformative changes often begin with small, intentional shifts in our thinking. As you incorporate affirmations into your leadership practice, you'll find yourself better equipped to navigate challenges and inspire excellence in your school community.

❝

Ideas are great, but not the greatest.

The only thing better than an idea is taking action.

Danny Bauer

SWAG CENTRAL

Tired of blending in with Play-It-Safe-Principals?

Rock this "Do School Different" tee and watch heads turn.

In rebellious pink and cyan brushstrokes, it's giving "education revolutionary" energy while feeling like that perfectly broken-in cotton shirt you've had forever.

The best part? It's basically your permission slip to break the rules.

MONDAY VIBES

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Transform ideas into impact with the Ruckus Maker Reflection Cards

Stop letting game-changing insights slip away. When your reflection deck arrives in the mail — you’ll have 52 weekly catalysts proven to turn your leadership experiences into actionable wisdom.

Each carefully crafted question unlocks:

Deeper insights from your daily wins and challenges
More meaningful staff conversations
Better decision-making through structured reflection

Already helping hundreds of school leaders create lasting change on their campuses. Just 5 minutes a week transforms scattered thoughts into focused direction.

Limited stock available at $25 per deck. Includes proven prompts refined through years of leadership coaching.