Transforming Negativity into Growth: 2 Strategies for Educational Leaders

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Hey Good People— Let me tell you what shook me awake last week. We were on vacation. A real one. Not a “half-working, still-checking-emails” kind of trip—but one where I stepped away for real. And as much as I wanted the rest, I wrestled with it. Would things fall apart while I was gone? Would I come back to a mess? Would people think I was slacking off? Those thoughts followed me right up until the moment I let them go. Because what I found in the stillness wasn’t weakness. It was wisdom. The Truth That Hit Me Hard I wasn’t falling behind. I was finally catching up—to myself, to my family, to what actually matters. Here’s What That Break Taught Me 1. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s required. We talk a lot about being driven. But when you’re always on, always solving, always showing up… you forget what clarity feels like. Rest gave me back creativity. Focus. Peace. It wasn’t time off. It was time on purpose. 2. Good leadership means you’re not the only one holding it all together. The fear of stepping away comes from the belief that everything relies on us. But true leadership? It’s building a team and culture that thrives whether you’re in the room or not. I didn’t just trust my team—I needed to trust them. And they showed me I could. 3. Moments > Minutes I didn’t track time. I tracked moments: Laughing with my kids. Listening to my wife. Sitting still—no agenda, no title, no hurry. And Then This Hit Me… I’ve been married almost 20 years. In less than 7, we’ll be empty nesters. And I sat with that. Really sat with it. Because for years, I’ve been building, grinding, leading. But those milestones reminded me—the most meaningful parts of life aren’t achievements… they’re moments. The kind that don’t show up on a resume. The kind that don’t trend. The kind you don’t get back. So Let Me Ask You… What are you rushing past right now? What are you chasing that might cost you more than it’s worth? And when you look back years from now—what do you want to remember: The meeting… or the moment? Leadership That Lasts Starts at Home This isn’t a message to work less. It’s a message to live more. To lead not just projects—but your presence. To stop confusing busyness with purpose. To start building a life that your loved ones are actually in, not just around. Try This: Take five minutes today. Write down: One person you’ve been too busy to fully see. One moment you keep saying “maybe later” to. One way you can be fully present this week. Now—do something about it. Final Word Your legacy isn’t built in the boardroom. It’s built at the dinner table. On the porch. In the quiet conversations when you’re fully there. Success means nothing if you miss what matters most. So take the break. Have the conversation. Be where your feet are. Until next time— Be a Leader. Be a Learner. Be Kind. —Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. Dr. Roy Bishop, Jr. is the founder of The Be Team—a movement rooted in the belief that leadership starts with mindset, not just metrics. Through coaching, training, and real-talk reflection, he helps leaders step up without burning out. Because titles fade—but presence and purpose leave a legacy.