Energy, Impact, and Connection: Marli Williams on Becoming a Great Leader

   

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Health and Wellness, Middle Level, Principal Pipeline, Professional Learning, School Culture and Climate, Student Engagement

“Will you bring the weather? You as a leader set the tone and temperature in the room you are in.”

Marli Williams


In this episode, Marli Williams, Leadership Trainer, will teach you powerful strategies to elevate your energy, cultivate meaningful connections, and lead with purpose and positivity, as she shares her insights on becoming an impactful and unforgettable leader.

Hosted by NAESP member, author, and keynote speaker Adam Welcome, NAESP Leadership Conversations returns for Season 2, offering fresh insights and professional growth opportunities from top educational thought leaders. In each conversation, you’ll discover innovative strategies to enhance your leadership, foster collaboration, increase job satisfaction, and gain practical tools to apply in your daily work.

 Top Takeaways:

  1. “Good is the Enemy of Great” – Strive for greatness by not settling for just “good.” Push beyond comfort zones to elevate both personal and team standards.
  2. Elevate Your Energy – Your energy sets the tone. Recognize that how you show up impacts the mood of a room and can inspire or discourage others. Make your presence a positive influence.
  3. Play on Purpose – Incorporate play and enjoyment into daily routines. Don’t wait for a break or vacation to recharge. Balance hard work with joy to keep energy and motivation high.
  4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset – Approach challenges as opportunities for growth. Encourage your team to do the same, fostering resilience and adaptability.
  5. Connect with Confidence – Build relationships that are deep, meaningful, and sincere. Trust and genuine connection form the foundation of a strong team.
  6. Set the Tone: “Bring the Weather” – As a leader, your mood and mindset can set the culture. Be intentional about the “weather” you bring, especially in chaotic times, to create a calm and positive environment.
  7. Lead by Example – Show, don’t just tell, your team how to act. Model the behaviors and values you want to see in others.
  8. Value Alignment in Decision-Making – Make decisions anchored in core values. Schedule time to reflect on what matters most to ensure that personal and organizational priorities are in harmony.
  9. Make People Feel Seen, Heard, and Valued – Welcoming new members thoughtfully and valuing each person’s contributions fosters a supportive team culture. Regularly consider what motivates and retains people.
  10. Step into Nature for Reflection – Take breaks to recharge in natural settings. Time in nature encourages clarity, reduces stress, and provides fresh perspectives that benefit both personal well-being and leadership effectiveness.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do I want others to feel when I enter a room, and what actions can I take to make that energy consistent and positive?
  • Am I making time each day for joy and rejuvenation, or am I waiting for the “perfect time” that may never come? How can I prioritize play and connection in my daily routine?
  • What specific actions can I take to cultivate a growth mindset, both in myself and in my team, especially when faced with challenges?
  • How well do my current decisions and actions align with my core values? How might prioritizing my values on my calendar shift my leadership approach?
  • In what ways am I making people on my team feel seen, heard, and valued? Are there additional steps I could take to understand and appreciate what truly motivates each individual?