What are School Leaders Reading?
Our guests on the Little Wins Podcast are big readers. Here are the books they return to every year.
Happy Monday, Alpaca!
As you know, I’m a huge reader — and there is nothing I love more than a great recommendation from someone whose perspective or experiences I learn from. It’s why I’ve started always asking our guests on the Little Wins Podcast about what books guide their leadership the most. The full list is long (ask me for it!) but here are the five books that I’ve heard leaders talk about returning to year after year:
Good to Great by Jim Collins
One of my favorite early episodes of the podcast was Lindsay Pietrzak, a principal who this year returned to the classroom this year in part because of the compelling leadership philosophy of her new principal at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy. In fact, she moved across the country to return to the classroom this year.
So I had to meet this leader! Principal Bradley Tarrance had so many extraordinary takes on educational leadership, and points to Good to Great as his go-to. It makes sense — this team focuses on putting together a best-in-class team, facing challenges with both humility and faith in eventual victory, and a steadfast focus on the passion and work that drives this school.
You should hear Lindsay’s episode here, and then check out what Bradley, Lindsay, and the team are building at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy. You’ll be so impressed.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
This book has come up over and over in my conversations with both principals and superintendents, in part because the question of removing smart technology from our classrooms and schools is a hot topic right now. The book focuses on the impact of smart phones on kids in their social interactions, academic learning, and mental health. I read it at the beginning of the year and it is a doozy.
Jennifer Rosenbloom talks about this book as part of the basis for her nature-based learning focus for her new school, The Academy at Blanchard. And Jessica Sonntag’s upcoming episode will have you thinking for days about how she rallied her families and students around the idea of removing all smart technology from her school — and bringing back board games to lunch.
Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
Evan Hecker’s episode of Little Wins was when I started making this list, because we dorked out about leadership books, and about one in particular — Supercommunicators. I couldn’t stop talking about this book when I first read it, and like me, Evan has sent it to friends and fellow leaders all over.
Duhigg, who also wrote The Power of Habit (another of my favorites) has a brilliant way of breaking down that talent some people seem to have to make everyone they talk to feel like they’re the most important person in the room. I loved it when I read it last year — but Evan brought it to life in a school setting for me. For Evan, it’s about visibility in the hallways, greetings in the morning, and true connection with his staff. If you haven’t listened to Evan’s episode, or read Supercommunicators, run don’t walk!
Zapp in Education by William C. Byham
Superintendent of North Stonington Public Schools Troy Hopkins’ non-traditional approach to school leadership was inspired in part by this quirky yet practical guide that focuses on empowerment, responsibility, creativity, and trust. The concept is simple — each of us has the opportunity to infuse energy and creativity into our organization, or take energy away. And by building a culture of bringing that energy into the group, we build opportunities for every student and staff member to thrive.
And bringing the energy is Troy’s speciality. I loved Troy’s commitment to leading right along students and staff, not in a role of “observer” or “supervisor,” but as a learner. He regularly participates in classes alongside students, takes the quizzes, and understands how his educators are motivated. You’ll see his episode go live on October 8th — don’t miss this one!
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book has been one of my favorites since it came out so I was super excited when Andy Crozier, Superintendent at Central Lee Community School District named it as one of his top leadership books, because it’s one of mine too.
The premise is simple, and it’s the literal definition of “Little Wins.” The idea is that big change happens not from sweeping strategies and initiatives, but through starting, stacking, and sustaining small habits that add up. Andy embodies this by making simple gestures to build pride in his district, by celebrating their district’s distinction as a “best place to work” to making tiny changes to policies and school culture that make teachers feel welcome, valued, respected.
Andy’s episode will be on its way soon — but in the meantime, give Atomic Habits a read if you’re looking for some little wins in your own work.
We are so incredibly lucky to get to spend time with school and district leaders through the podcast each week - I know you hear me say it every time we record an episode, but I learn something from every single one. Let’s close out the quarter strong, Alpaca — and keep learning from these extraordinary leaders.
Onward!
KB