As school leaders, we are often caught in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, urgent decisions, and the constant demand to be present for our students, staff, and communities. But in the midst of all of this, I want to challenge you to lean into one word this week: peace.

Recently, I was working on a manuscript contribution for another project centered around peace, and I found myself struggling with how to define it in a way that was both meaningful and actionable. It wasn’t until I experienced a personal loss—saying goodbye to a beloved family member—that I truly understood what peace meant. Watching him come to peace with his circumstances, with his fate, opened my eyes to its deeper meaning.

Peace isn’t just about stillness or the absence of chaos. It’s an internal state of Clarity, an understanding of our purpose and direction. It is the faith—whether spiritually rooted or not—that allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that we are aligned with what truly matters.

For leaders, peace is closely tied to clarity. When we have a firm grasp on our vision, when we define our priorities with precision, and when we ensure that our team understands the path forward, we create an environment where peace can thrive. Clarity dispels confusion. It lessens Anxiety. It reassures those we lead that they are moving in the right direction.

So, how can we, as leaders, cultivate peace within our schools and organizations?

1. Lead with Clarity – Ensure that your staff knows the vision and expectations. Uncertainty breeds Stress, but clarity fosters confidence.
2. Create a Culture of Trust – When people trust their leader and their team, they feel safe, valued, and at ease.
3. Prioritize Well-Being – A peaceful organization isn’t just about academic success; it’s about ensuring the well-being of students and staff alike. Pay attention to their needs and model balance in your own life.
4. Be Intentional with Your Time – Rushing from task to task without purpose creates chaos. Schedule your time around high-impact work and encourage your staff to do the same.
5. Embrace Reflection – At the end of each day, take a moment to pause. What went well? What can be improved? Reflection leads to Growth, and growth leads to peace.

This week, I encourage you to lean into peace. Ask yourself: How can I bring peace to my organization? How can I lead in a way that provides reassurance, direction, and a sense of purpose to those I serve? Peace isn’t a destination; it’s a practice—one that begins with you.

Let’s commit to leading with peace in our hearts, clarity in our minds, and purpose in our actions. Our schools and communities will be better for it.

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.