I started blogging over a decade ago, not really sure where the journey would take me. Early posts were more reflection than they were meant for others to consume. Over the years, the blog has grown and the focus has sharpened. My goal now, if you haven’t yet deciphered it, is to pour into other leaders, to share insights, tips, and knowledge I gained during my career, and to be someone other leaders can reach out to for support and guidance.

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a great time to reflect on the conversations and ideas that resonated with school leaders throughout the year. This past year, the blog has been a space to explore challenges, celebrate Growth, and offer practical strategies for leaders striving to make a meaningful impact.

In that spirit, let’s revisit the top five blog posts of 2024, each offering unique insights and lessons that can guide us into 2025.

1. “If Your School Could Talk: A Letter to the New Principal”

This heartfelt post imagines a school speaking directly to its new leader, offering Wisdom and guidance for building a strong and positive school culture. Key takeaways include:

• Be present and visible within the school.
• Take time to listen and learn from the community.
• Lead with empathy and celebrate the wins, big and small.

Action for 2025: As you step into the new year, schedule regular time to connect with staff and students informally. Walk the halls, join a classroom activity, or simply listen to what’s on their minds. Presence builds trust.

2. “The Turning Point: Why Leaders Must Take Care of Themselves”

In this reflective piece, the focus is on the importance of self-care for school leaders. Drawing on personal experiences, the post underscores how prioritizing well-being is essential for effective leadership.

Action for 2025: Commit to a self-care practice. Whether it’s a daily walk, time with a coach, or dedicated moments of mindfulness, make caring for yourself a leadership priority.

3. “5 Ways to Sharpen Your Leadership Saw Over the Holiday Break”

This practical guide encourages leaders to use downtime to recharge and prepare for the challenges ahead. The suggested strategies include reflecting on the past year, setting new goals, and reconnecting with personal passions.

Action for 2025: Dedicate time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the previous year. Write down three goals for the new year and identify the first step for each. Reconnect with activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

4. “The Transformative Power of Leadership Coaching”

This post highlights the benefits of leadership Coaching, sharing personal stories of growth and transformation. Coaching offers an external perspective and guidance that can help leaders focus on what truly matters.

Action for 2025: Consider Investing in leadership coaching or mentoring. If coaching isn’t immediately accessible, seek out trusted peers or networks where you can share challenges and gain fresh perspectives.

5. “7 Time Bandits That Steal School Leaders’ Time (and How to Stop Them)”

A favorite among readers, this post tackles the common pitfalls that drain school leaders’ time and energy, offering actionable tips for reclaiming focus and productivity.

Action for 2025: Identify your own “time bandits.” Start by tracking how you spend your day for one week, then create strategies to eliminate or delegate low-priority tasks.

Looking Ahead: Leadership in 2025

As we turn the page to 2025, let’s carry forward the lessons and strategies from these posts. Leadership is a journey of continuous growth, reflection, and intentionality.

Here are three overarching actions to guide your leadership in the new year:

1. Focus on Clarity: Define your top priorities and values. Let them guide your decisions and actions.
2. Cultivate Presence: Show up for your community—physically, emotionally, and professionally. Being visible and engaged creates trust and connection.
3. Invest in Growth: Whether it’s personal self-care, professional coaching, or team development, prioritize growth opportunities that elevate your leadership.

Thank you for being part of this journey in 2024. Here’s to leading with clarity, purpose, and impact in 2025!

Darrin Peppard Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.