Growing Your Team From the Ground Up

Picture a thriving garden, bursting with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Now imagine your school as that garden, with each team member a unique plant contributing to its beauty and strength. As leaders, we’re the gardeners, responsible for nurturing growth and creating an environment where everyone can flourish. But how do we cultivate this leadership oasis?

Though a title change can quickly take someone from a team member to its leader, the qualities one needs to lead stem from a career long journey of growth, and principals have a special role to play in fostering this leadership at their schools.

In a recent episode of the NAESP Principal Podcast, Danny Bauer, a principal retention development expert, best-selling author, and host of the Better Leader, Better Schools podcast, talked to Shelby Calabrese, principal of Harvard Elementary School in Houston, Texas, and the school’s assistant principal, Alejandra Perez, about fostering leadership from within the school.

Specifically, the two leaders offered strategies to enlist better hiring practices and a culture of recognition to create a robust pipeline to leadership. Here’s how they did it.

1. Planting the Seeds of Trust: Just as a gardener carefully selects and plants seeds, we must sow the seeds of trust within our teams. This starts with building genuine relationships. It’s not just about being competent; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.

2. Nourishing Growth Through Empowerment: Empowerment is the sunlight that helps your team grow tall and strong. Create systems that allow staff to step up and take on new challenges. One school implemented a unique approach where staff could volunteer for leadership roles through surveys. This opt-in method ensures those who participate are truly invested in the opportunity.

3. Pruning with Transparency: Even the healthiest gardens need occasional pruning. In leadership, this means being transparent about challenges and decisions. By openly sharing information, you prevent rumors and build trust.

4. Recognizing the Blossoms: Every bloom deserves to be celebrated. One innovative recognition program allowed nominations from all corners of the school community—staff, students, families, and more. The secret? Sharing positive feedback with everyone nominated, not just the winners. This spreads positivity and encourages continued growth.

5. Adapting to the Climate: Just as plants must adapt to changing weather, leaders must be flexible in their approach. It’s important to navigate ambiguity and be willing to take risks. Sometimes, you have to “buzz in before you know the answer.” In other words, take action even when you’re not 100 percent certain of the outcome.

6. Cultivating Your Own Growth: Remember, as the gardener, you need nourishment, too! Seek out mentorship and coaching opportunities. Connect with other leaders to share ideas and challenges.

By tending to your leadership garden with care, patience, and a willingness to learn, you’ll create an environment where both individuals and the school can thrive. So grab your metaphorical watering can, and let’s get growing!

Want more strategies? Listen to this episode, “Foster Leadership From Within,” on the NAESP Principal Podcast.