Let’s talk about something we’re all feeling but not always addressing: staff morale and divisiveness. Whether it’s initiative overload, unclear priorities, or just plain burnout, these challenges impact everyone.

As Hacking School Leadership author Erika Garcia-Niles advises, "The most critical part of people-centered leadership is authenticity. It’s not about a checklist or following rules; it’s about loving your people enough to listen without judgment and to act consistently." 

Here are six leadership practices taken from Hacking School Leadership  that you can start using right away to create connection, reduce tension, and re-energize your staff culture:

✅ 1.   Prioritize People Over Paperwork

Put relationships before reports. Spend less time behind your desk and more time face-to-face with your team.
👉 Quick Action: Block 15 minutes daily to visit classrooms or drop by the lounge—no agenda, just connection.
👉 Bonus Move: Set up a weekly “Coffee & Conversation” drop-in time where staff can casually chat with you about anything—no formal agenda.

✅  2.   Be Purposefully Present

Don’t just be seen—be engaged. When staff talk, stop multitasking. When you're in a meeting, be in the meeting.
👉 Try This Tomorrow: Start your day with a five-minute hallway or classroom walk just to say good morning.
👉 Bonus Move: At the next staff meeting, put away your laptop and phone—model the kind of presence you want others to show.

✅  3.   Personalize Professional Growth

One-size-fits-all PD divides teams. Customizing learning shows your staff they matter as individuals.
👉 Next Step: Send a 3-question PD survey this week to discover staff goals and preferred formats.
👉 Bonus Move: Pair teachers with similar growth goals into mini learning communities for peer support and collaboration.

✅  4.   Balance the Workload

Choose 1–2 priorities and stick to them. Say no (out loud) to what doesn’t align.
👉 Strategy: In your next staff email, clarify: “Here’s what we’re focusing on—and here’s what we’re pausing.”
👉 Bonus Move: Create a “Let It Go” board in the staff room where teachers can write down tasks, initiatives, or habits they’re ready to release.

✅  5.   Recognize Social-Emotional Needs

Teachers are human. They're carrying invisible weight every day.
👉 Do Now: Begin your next team meeting with a 1-5 wellness check-in: "How are you doing—really?"
👉 Bonus Move: Add a "Sunshine Survey" to learn what helps each staff memeber feel supported (such as preferred appreciation styles, favorite treats, birthday recognition—or none).

✅  6.   Become a Servant Leader

Leadership = Support. Ask your staff, “What’s one thing I could do to make your week easier?” Then do it.
👉 Mini Challenge: Pick one act of service this week—cover a class, grab someone coffee, or send a thank-you note.
👉 Bonus Move: Start a “Staff Help Desk” clipboard or digital form where teachers can anonymously request support—big or small.

💬 Final Word

Great leadership isn’t loud. It’s consistent, compassionate, and human. When you lead from a place of care and clarity, divisiveness fades—and morale rises.