by Dr. Michael Ford, Principal
When leaders think about improving their school’s culture, the temptation is to start by fixing the systems around them. But the most effective leaders know the first place to look isn’t out there — it’s in the mirror. Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic coaching and the starting point for building a thriving organization.
As a principal, I’ve learned that self-awareness is more than knowing your strengths and weaknesses. It’s about understanding the way you show up every single day — in meetings, in hallways, in classrooms. It’s about noticing your emotional triggers, your leadership defaults, and even your body language. The way we lead is contagious, and whether we realize it or not, we are constantly modeling the very behaviors we expect from others.
Why Self-Awareness Matters in Coaching
Coaching is not just about giving feedback; it’s about building trust. And trust starts when the people you lead believe you are authentic. Self-awareness allows you to be transparent about your own learning, to admit when you’ve made a mistake, and to show that growth is not just for students — it’s for leaders too.
Leaders who lack self-awareness often overestimate their influence, misread situations, or unintentionally create climates of fear or mistrust. Leaders who practice self-awareness, on the other hand, can adjust their approach in real time, choose their words carefully, and create an environment where others feel safe enough to be vulnerable.
Practical Ways to Build Self-Awareness
Seek feedback on your leadership from trusted peers, mentors, or even anonymous staff surveys.
Schedule regular reflection time to review key decisions and the impact they had on people and outcomes.
Track emotional triggers to see patterns in what sparks frustration or impatience — and plan for better responses next time.
Set a personal leadership goal each semester that focuses on behavior, not just results.
Self-awareness isn’t an event; it’s a discipline. The more we learn about ourselves, the more intentional we can be about shaping the culture around us. If you want your coaching to create lasting change, start with the person you see in the mirror every morning.