Building a Thriving Workplace Through Intentional Leadership and Relationships
As a young school leader, I didn’t take the time to consider the well-being, workload, or stressors affecting myself. Like many leaders, I kept pushing forward, expecting more, despite clear signs that my way of working wasn’t sustainable. Over time, I realised that creating a well-functioning, healthy, and thriving workplace requires more than reactive fixes—it demands intentionality.
Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” While this may sound like a motivational cliché, the heart of this idea resonates deeply in leadership. As a school principal, you shape not only the culture of your staff but also the environment in which students learn and grow. The relationships you foster and the people you surround yourself with can either elevate or erode that culture.
For me, the journey toward prioritising well-being wasn’t about ticking boxes with processes or initiatives—it was about relationships. True change begins with who we choose to listen to, learn from, and collaborate with. Here’s what I’ve learned about building positive relationships that enable us to lead more effectively:
1. Seek Out Mentorship
Mentorship is a cornerstone for navigating the complexities of leadership. However, a good mentor should be more than just your appraiser or ministry advisor—in fact, it’s often better if they are not. Why? These roles are typically focused on assessment, which can hinder open and honest dialogue. Instead, seek out individuals whose experience and knowledge inspire you. Whether it’s a seasoned principal, an industry leader, or a professional outside education, a mentor offers clarity, support, and a valuable sounding board for your ideas. Growth happens when we remain open to learning from others.
2. Build a Professional Network
Your professional network is a lifeline, connecting you with ideas and insights that extend beyond your own experiences. Engaging with other educators—both within and beyond your school—keeps you informed about trends, challenges, and best practices. For example, I once collaborated with a network of principals to develop a shared approach to managing staff workloads during high-pressure times. The collective wisdom from that group not only improved outcomes for staff but also deepened our sense of shared purpose. Networking amplifies your impact, transforming individual ideas into collective solutions.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity
The people you spend the most time with shape your mindset, motivation, and leadership style. Prioritise relationships with positive, supportive, and solution-focused individuals who align with your values. Just as important is recognising and avoiding negativity—relationships that drain your energy or erode your confidence can hinder your ability to lead effectively. Building a culture of positivity starts with the people around you.
4. Be Intentional with Your Time
As a school leader, your time is a finite resource. Invest it in relationships and activities that align with your vision for a thriving, healthy workplace. This doesn’t mean being exclusive; it means being purposeful. Focus on building connections with those who share your values and contribute to your goals. Time is one of the most valuable currencies in leadership, and where you spend it matters.
5. Lead by Example
Leadership is about modeling the culture you want to create. Your actions set the tone for your entire school community. By consistently demonstrating positivity, professionalism, and care, you inspire others to follow suit. For example, when I made a point to priorities staff well-being—by setting clear boundaries for after-hours emails and acknowledging their efforts—it fostered a culture of respect and balance. Leading by example is not just about doing the right things; it’s about embodying the values you want others to adopt.
And remember: The Power of Relationships in Leadership
Building positive relationships takes time and effort, but the payoff is profound. Strong relationships enable you to grow as a leader, foster a thriving culture, and positively impact the lives of both staff and students.
As Jim Rohn’s quote reminds us, the people we surround ourselves with shape who we are and how we lead. By intentionally choosing those relationships, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to flourish. Let’s make those choices count.