As is true in most weeks, I had several conversations this week with leaders who are interested in working with me through either Coaching or my leadership speaking and training. In each case, a consistent theme came through…the need for Clarity in their day to day work. Leaders can easily get pulled off the tracks and into firefighter mode.

In the world of Education, clarity can be the make-or-break factor in a school’s success. John Hattie’s influential research highlights the transformative power of teacher clarity—when teachers have clear goals and expectations, students achieve more and feel empowered. However, clarity’s impact doesn’t end in the classroom. For school leaders, clarity is foundational for creating alignment, focus, and trust within the team.

As a school leader, you may find yourself pulled in countless directions—responding to fires, juggling demands, and supporting staff and students alike. In this whirlwind, how clear are you on your own purpose and direction? Have you taken the time to clarify your vision and revisit what truly matters in your leadership?

Checking In on Your Clarity

To lead with purpose, it’s crucial to frequently check in on your own clarity. Here are a few questions to get started:

• What are my top priorities as a leader? Identifying these core areas can help you sort the urgent from the truly important.
• Am I aligning my actions with these priorities? Take an honest look at how you spend your time. Are you Investing energy into what matters most, or getting sidetracked by tasks that don’t move the needle?
• How often am I revisiting my vision? Consistently revisiting and refining your goals can prevent mission drift and keep you focused.

When we’re clear about our purpose and priorities, we model that clarity for our staff, creating an environment where everyone understands the shared goals and their role in achieving them. But it takes conscious effort and regular reflection to keep that clarity intact.

Holding Yourself Accountable

One of the greatest challenges for any leader is holding themselves accountable to their own goals. Setting aside regular time to reflect on your leadership journey, perhaps through journaling, coaching, or peer collaboration, can provide essential space to assess your alignment.

It can also be helpful to create accountability structures within your team. Share your priorities with your leadership team and invite them to provide feedback. By opening yourself up to their insights, you not only model vulnerability but also strengthen trust and invite shared commitment to the school’s vision.

Clear leadership isn’t just a concept; it’s a commitment. The more consistently you pursue it, the more resilient and focused your team will become. So, take the time today to check in, reflect, and align your actions with your vision—and watch your school thrive.

Take Control of Your Leadership

If you’re ready to take this work to the next level, my digital course dives deeper into each of these topics, offering tools and strategies tailored for school leaders. Explore how you can strengthen your leadership and lead with greater intention and impact.

Sign up for my VIP mailing list at roadtoawesome.net to be first in line for special pricing, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers only available to email subscribers. Don’t let difficult situations steal your focus—join today and start leading with intention!

Tune in this Sunday to “Leaning into Leadership” where I welcome Cybersecurity expert and leadership coach Tammy Klotz.

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.