School leaders need this on Fridays (it's not just coffee)

Happy Friday

How are you holding up?

If you're anything like the school leaders I've been chatting with recently, you might be feeling the weight of decision-making, the occasional isolation of leadership, or perhaps just the natural tiredness that comes with this point in the academic year.

Something that struck me deeply in this week's Education Leaders Live session was a conversation about the loneliness of leadership. How many times have you heard (or perhaps said yourself) that school leadership can be "the loneliest job in the world"? We often find ourselves in positions where we're expected to have all the answers, make quick decisions, and maintain a confident exterior, even when we're uncertain.

This is precisely why I believe so strongly in creating spaces where leaders can step outside their school walls and connect authentically with others who understand these challenges.

Not just to network, but to truly listen and be listened to.

In our live discussion, Chris Scorer made a point that resonated with me:

When we create communities where we can voice different perspectives and disagree respectfully, we open ourselves to growth that simply isn't possible in isolation.

What's fascinating is how often we default to command-and-control leadership when things get complex, despite knowing that collaborative approaches yield better results. Perhaps we need these outside spaces, these communities of practice, to remind us of our values and help us reset our thinking.

This is why I'm so excited about our Education Leaders community. It's algorithm-free, hierarchy-free, and designed for meaningful connection rather than broadcast. A place where you can share challenges, offer wisdom, and connect with leaders at all levels from around the world.

If you haven't already joined us, I'd love to welcome you in. Our next Education Leaders Live session is happening on 3rd April, and you can register here to receive a reminder and join the conversation.

And if you're looking for immediate value, don't miss the exclusive cheat sheet from my recent conversation with Ross McGill, you'll find it only in our community space.

How are you creating spaces for authentic connection in your leadership journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply to this email and let me know.

Wishing you a restful weekend,

Shane

Here’s a few of my latest episodes to take you in to the weekend: