Lifting Up, Leaning In: Supporting Staff Through Challenging Moments

As school leaders, we spend a great deal of time and energy planning initiatives we believe will benefit students and staff. We research, reflect, and communicate with purpose, hoping to build momentum around meaningful change. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, the response from staff isn’t enthusiastic agreement. Some may question the direction, others may feel overwhelmed, and a few might not engage at all.

These are not the moments to retreat or become defensive. They are the exact moments when our support matters most.

When staff push back or seem out of sync, it’s often not a sign of disrespect or unwillingness. It can come from a deep care for their students, their time, and their professional identity. Sometimes it comes from a place of fear; fear of losing what works or of not being able to meet new expectations. When we approach this with empathy and curiosity instead of frustration, we create space for dialogue and trust.

We also need to recognize that stress can limit even the most capable educators. When people are tired, stretched thin, or managing personal challenges, their capacity for change naturally shrinks. What might look like resistance is often exhaustion in disguise. In those moments, our job is not to push harder—it’s to pause and ask how we can help lighten the load.

One of the most powerful things we can do in these moments is to name and celebrate strengths. Even when someone isn’t fully on board with an initiative, they’re likely doing great work in other areas. Highlighting those strengths doesn’t just build morale It helps staff reconnect with their value and see themselves as part of the solution. It’s easy to compliment someone who’s excelling; it’s more meaningful to lift someone who’s struggling.

Support is not something we offer only when things are going smoothly. It matters most when things are hard. This is when we prove that our relationships are built on more than just productivity or compliance. When we consistently show up with care, encouragement, and a belief in our staff, we build a culture that endures beyond any single initiative.

If we want our schools to be places where students feel safe, valued, and challenged, then our educators need to experience the same. Leadership isn’t about getting everyone to say yes. It’s about standing beside people when they’re not sure, when they’re tired, and when they need to be reminded that they matter.

By lifting each other up in the hard times, we lay the foundation for real, lasting growth. And that’s what makes our work not just impactful but truly meaningful.