The Transformative Power of Leadership Coaching
I read recently the post of another leadership coach sharing her experience working with a coach. I believe so strongly in the value of having a coach that I currently work with two of them (one as an entrepreneur, one as a keynote speaker). Coaching is game changing so I felt it was important for me to also share my coaching experience and how it transformed me from a a reactive mess to a transformational leader.
My Story
When I first stepped into the role of principal, I was floundering. My days were a blur of reactive decision-making, moving from crisis to crisis with little sense of direction. I wasn’t leading; I was managing—just getting by. It was survival mode, and I knew something had to change. That change came when a new superintendent introduced leadership coaching into our district.
The Turning Point
Our superintendent believed in the power of leadership coaching and hired a coach for every leader in the district. I was excited about the opportunity because I knew I needed help, but I also had some concerns. Would the coach share our conversations with the superintendent or others in the district? Would this really be the support I needed?
When I met my coach, those concerns quickly dissipated. My first meeting was at his school, where he was still an active principal. Watching him in his element—calm, in control, and intentional—was inspiring. He demonstrated the kind of leadership presence I aspired to develop. It was clear from the start that he wouldn’t just help me manage—he’d help me lead.
The Coaching Process
Over that first year, my coach visited my school three times, and I visited his twice. Between those visits, we had biweekly phone check-ins. Our sessions were focused and practical. We spent time in classrooms, reviewed systems like school safety and teacher evaluation, and worked on improving my time management. A unique part of our work included involving my secretary—he helped us develop systems that improved our collaboration and efficiency.
The fact that my coach was an external partner—someone completely outside the politics of our district and community—was incredibly freeing. I could share openly without fear that my words might be repeated or misunderstood. This confidentiality created a space where I could truly reflect, grow, and plan for the future.
The Systems That Changed Everything
One of the most impactful systems my coach helped me develop was calendar management. He taught me to give my secretary full access to my email and calendar, allowing her to schedule appointments and manage my time more effectively. This single change freed me from the constant barrage of scheduling decisions and administrative distractions, giving me more time to focus on what mattered most.
Through our work together, I learned to shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one. My coach helped me identify what was truly high-impact work—the tasks and goals that would make a real difference for my school—and to let go of the daily grind tasks that were weighing me down.
A Transformative Journey
The results of this coaching journey were profound. I started showing up differently—more relaxed and less stressed about every little thing. As I became more organized and intentional, the entire school began to feel less hectic. My newfound Clarity and focus allowed me to lead, rather than just manage, and that shift had a ripple effect throughout the school.
The team became much more cohesive because we were all aligned around shared goals and trusted each other to do our parts. One moment that stands out to me is when a teacher who had previously been critical of my leadership told me she trusted me and believed I was taking the school in the right direction. That small moment was a powerful affirmation of how far we had come as a team.
Three years after starting with my coach, I was named state principal of the year. This recognition wasn’t just about me; it was a testament to the collective success of our team. We had clarity about where we were going and how each of us needed to contribute to get there.
Lessons for Other Leaders
Working with a leadership coach was a game changer for me. It gave me the confidence to step fully into my purpose as a school leader. I’ve since become a leadership coach myself because I want to pay forward the transformative experience I had. I believe every leader can benefit from coaching, but finding the right coach is key. Look for someone who aligns with your personality and has experience navigating challenges similar to your own.
If you’re considering coaching, here are three actionable takeaways from my journey:
- Plan With Purpose: Take time at the start of each week to map out your priorities. Build daily reflection and weekly evaluation into your routine to stay aligned with your goals.
- Leverage Systems: Use tools like a shared digital calendar and involve your team in managing your time and tasks. These systems will free you to focus on high-impact leadership work.
- Trust the Process: Coaching works best when you embrace it fully. Be open, honest, and willing to grow—you might be surprised by how quickly you can transform your leadership.
Final Thoughts
Leadership coaching isn’t just about improving your skills; it’s about transforming how you show up for your team, your school, and yourself. When you have clarity and focus, you can stay dialed in on what truly matters. That’s the power of coaching—and it’s why I’ll always recommend it to leaders at any stage of their journey.
