Presence Over Position

A lot is written about the importance of leadership visibility.

And yes, educational leaders should attend the football games, concerts, musicals, graduations, and community events that bring people together.

But visibility isn't just about showing up for the high-profile moments.

Sometimes it's about walking into an elementary PE class with no agenda at all.

A few years ago, I stopped by a PE class during the school day. Students were getting ready for a floor hockey game, and before long, I found myself standing in goal.

It wasn't planned.

No speech.

No strategic initiative.

Just a chance to spend a few minutes in a space where students learn, play, laugh, compete, and build relationships.

Those moments matter.

Because students don't experience school through board meetings, budget presentations, strategic plans, or state reports.

They experience school through classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, stages, athletic fields, and gymnasiums.

If we want to understand their experience, we have to be willing to spend time where they spend theirs.

I've always believed that some of the most important leadership work happens in the ordinary moments.

A conversation in a hallway.

A visit to a classroom.

A few minutes at lunch.

Or, occasionally, playing goalie in an elementary PE class.

Leadership isn't about being seen.

It's about being present.

And often, the everyday moments are the ones students remember most.