))
Episode 25: From Stranger to Team Captain — A First-Year Principal’s Culture-Building Playbook!
Manage episode 475634290 series 3340023
Content provided by Jeff Linden. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jeff Linden or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
What happens when a school truly embraces "we're all on the same team" as more than just a catchy phrase? The transformation can be remarkable.
At Hastings High School, my journey as principal began with a fundamental belief that everyone—from teachers to custodians to students—plays an essential role in our school community. This wasn't just wishful thinking; it was an intentional approach to building a culture where trust, collaboration, and shared purpose could flourish.
My 60-90-30 transition plan became the roadmap for putting this belief into action. Those first 60 days were devoted entirely to relationships: conducting one-on-one conversations with every single staff member (all 120 of them!), learning existing systems, and becoming a visible, approachable leader. Rather than bulldozing in with changes, I listened and learned what was already working well. The following 90 days allowed us to celebrate successes while collaboratively analyzing challenges around issues like cell phone usage and attendance. By the final 30 days, we were implementing solutions that everyone had helped develop.
This methodical approach has yielded powerful results three years later. Delegation happens naturally because trust flows in all directions. Problem-solving becomes more efficient as we tap our collective wisdom rather than working in isolation. Staff members feel genuinely valued when they see their input translated into meaningful action, and our students benefit from witnessing adults who model true collaboration.
The foundation of intentional belief building creates a self-reinforcing cycle: when people feel they're truly on the same team, they behave accordingly. What belief might transform your school if you led with similar intention? Share your thoughts and experiences—I'd love to hear how you're building your own culture of belonging and teamwork.
60-90-30 Day Transition Plan PDF
Episode 18: Transforming School Leaders: Insights from Angela Kelly's Leadership Journey!
Want to be a guest on Educational Leadership with Principal JL?
Send Principal JL a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1742787866678447e5bdb89c1
Chapters
1. Introducing Intentional Belief Building (00:00:00)
2. Creating "We're On the Same Team" (00:04:43)
3. The 60-90-30 Transition Plan (00:08:46)
4. First 60 Days: Listen and Connect (00:15:05)
5. Next 90 Days: Analyze and Collaborate (00:19:49)
6. Benefits of Intentional Leadership (00:22:11)
29 episodes
Share
