Walk into any successful school, and you’ll feel it before you see it: the buzz in the hallways, the warm energy in classrooms, the pride on students’ faces, and the steady rhythm of things being done with purpose. That kind of school climate doesn’t happen by chance.
It starts with you.
In every building, there’s one person whose actions ripple farther than any memo, meeting or mission statement…the school leader. The leader sets the tone, not just through what they say, but how they show up every single day. Whether a school is thriving, surviving or struggling, the school’s leadership in three key areas—communication, connection, and culture—makes all the difference.
1. Communication: What You Say (and Don’t Say) Matters
Clear, consistent, and transparent communication is the bedrock of a healthy school environment. When principals communicate with clarity and purpose, they reduce confusion, build trust, and set a tone of professionalism and respect.
But communication isn’t just about sending emails or delivering announcements…it’s about being intentional with every word, gesture, and decision.
Great communication means:
- Share the “why,” not just the “what.”
- Listen as much as you speak.
- Follow through on your word.
- Stay visible and approachable, not just behind a desk.
If communication is a mirror of leadership, make sure your reflection is clear, encouraging, and rooted in your values.
2. Connection: Relationships Drive Results
If you want to change a school, you must reach people first. Connection isn’t a bonus—it’s the foundation of everything. People will go the extra mile for a principal who they know sees them, values them, and believes in them.
Whether it’s a teacher battling burnout, a student who’s acting out, or a parent unsure of where they fit, your ability to connect authentically can shift the entire experience.
Ways leaders build real connection:
- Greeting students by name every morning.
- Checking in with staff before diving into to-do lists.
- Showing up in classrooms to support, not just observe.
- Creating family events that feel welcoming, not intimidating.
People don’t need perfect leaders; they need real ones. Connection builds the trust that transformation depends on.
3. Culture: The Way We Do Things Around Here
School culture isn’t a slogan on the wall or a theme for spirit week. It’s the shared beliefs, daily behaviors, and invisible expectations that drive how things get done. And no one shapes that more than the school leader.
If the culture is positive, inclusive, and growth-focused, it likely starts with a school leader who models those same values. If it’s negative, reactive, or fragmented? That’s a leadership issue too.
Leaders cultivate culture by:
- Responding to challenges with grace and purpose.
- Celebrating what truly matters: effort, improvement, collaboration.
- Holding firm on what won’t be tolerated.
- Prioritizing student well-being and staff morale.
Culture isn’t a one-time push—it’s a daily decision. Every interaction, every email, every hallway conversation builds it or breaks it.
The Leader as the Pulse
At the heart of every school is the leader—not just managing operations, but serving as the pulse, the steady beat driving everything forward.
Yes, test scores, curriculum, and resources matter. But none of it sticks without strong leadership at the core.
So, if you’re a school leader, remember:
- Your voice sets the tone.
- Your presence builds trust.
- Your energy becomes the school’s energy.
It all starts with you. Communication. Connection. Culture.
Every day, every hallway, every relationship. Lead with intention, and the school will follow.
Todd Nesloney is TEPSA’s Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership. He is an award-winning educator, author and international speaker.
Ross Braun is a former elementary principal who is passionate about supporting schools and leaders to ensure every child has a safe, loving, and engaging learning environment. Ross is now the VP of Positive Education at Spring, Texas-based, School Life.
