Books
The Hero Maker: How Superintendents Can Get Their Boards to do the Right Thing
The Hero Maker by Donlan and Whitaker is a must-read for superintendents striving to foster strong, productive relationships with their school boards. This book does an exceptional job improving school culture by growing the school board. This book provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the unique dynamic between superintendents and board members, emphasizing trust, humility, and the art of helping others shine. As a superintendent, this book reshaped my understanding of leadership, teaching me to prioritize relationships and empower board members to be the heroes of their constituencies. Its practical strategies reinforced my belief in servant leadership and the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and capable of making a difference.
Key takeaway… “A true hero is someone who helps others accomplish things they didn’t think were possible.”
Link to Book: https://amzn.to/3BADWIi
The School Board Member's Guidebook
The School Board Member’s Guidebook by Donlan and Whitaker is an essential resource for board members aiming to navigate their unique governance role effectively. It offers practical insights into fostering collaboration, leveraging the superintendent’s expertise, and prioritizing long-term policy decisions over reactive issue management. As a superintendent, this book reinforced my commitment to building trust and empowering board members to see their impact as community Difference Makers. It also deepened my understanding of how governance, leadership, and management intertwine to create a cohesive and effective school system. Personally, this book ignited my passion for dissertation research and spawned a flight to Indiana State in late January to meet and discuss said research.
Key takeaway… “Difference making best happens through other people, not to other people.”
Link to Book: https://amzn.to/41SVfij
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is a thought-provoking exploration of the mental health crisis affecting today’s youth, driven by the rise of smartphones, social media, and the decline of unstructured play. Haidt masterfully connects data with compelling narratives, outlining how the “phone-based childhood” disrupts social and neurological development. As a leader and a parent, this book deepened my resolve to prioritize mental health in schools and to advocate for balanced, play-centered childhoods. It offers actionable solutions for educators and parents alike, reinforcing the urgency to reclaim a healthier path for the next generation.
Key takeaway… “To restore a more humane childhood, we must begin with one simple truth: kids need play, not perfection.”
Link to Book: https://amzn.to/3VVVyFc
The Power of Moments
The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath explores how intentional, defining moments can shape lives, organizations, and cultures. It reveals how moments of elevation, insight, pride, and connection create lasting memories and emphasizes that we have the power to craft these moments for ourselves and others. As a leader, this book inspired me to rethink the ordinary processes we have in schools such as new employee onboarding, celebrations, and community-building efforts, ensuring that meaningful moments leave a lasting impression. It reinforced the idea that leadership isn’t just about strategy but also about creating memorable, impactful experiences.
Key takeaway… “Our lives are measured in moments, and defining moments are the ones we remember—and the ones we can create.”
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Link to Book: https://amzn.to/3ByZPHZ
Overcoming Education
Overcoming Education: Complex Challenges, Difficult People, and the Art of Making a Difference by B. Gustafson (2024)
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Gustafson’s Overcoming Education is a compelling exploration of the trials and tribulations faced by educational leaders, offering a guide to navigating the complexities of leadership in today’s schools. Rooted in authentic experiences and supported by sobering statistics, this book provides a roadmap for overcoming challenges, building connections, and making meaningful differences in educational settings. With nearly 80% of superintendents and over half of teachers experiencing significant stress, Gustafson’s work is a timely resource for leaders striving to foster resilience and connection within their organizations.
Key Themes and Insights
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Communication: Speaking the Language of Connection
A standout section of the book is its focus on communication, aptly titled, “How to Speak the Language of Connection.” Gustafson emphasizes the critical role of communication in leadership, particularly the importance of aligning with the “frequency” of others. This metaphor is poignantly illustrated through the story of the “loneliest whale”—a whale whose vocalizations are at a unique frequency, making connection with its peers nearly impossible. The lesson here is clear: effective communication isn’t about speaking louder or more often; it’s about truly listening and adapting to the wavelengths of others.
Gustafson’s assertion that “you cannot control whether people read your emails, newsletters, or report cards” is a stark reminder of the limits of unilateral communication. However, leaders can control the clarity, empathy, and intentionality of their messages. By fostering internal connectedness and actively listening, leaders can create the conditions for authentic external connection.
Addressing Misconceptions and Building Trust
One of the most thought-provoking statistics highlighted in the book is that 90% of parents believe their child is at or above grade level, despite data suggesting otherwise. This disconnect underscores the necessity for transparent, empathetic communication that bridges the gap between perception and reality. Gustafson encourages leaders to approach such conversations with sensitivity, recognizing that the path to trust involves meeting stakeholders where they are and guiding them to shared understanding.
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Stress and Resilience in Educational Leadership
The book does not shy away from the reality of stress in education, referencing a RAND survey that highlights the disproportionate levels of stress among superintendents compared to other professions. Gustafson’s advice on managing these pressures is both practical and inspiring, encouraging leaders to focus on what they can control and to nurture their own well-being as a prerequisite for leading effectively.
Application to Educational Leadership
Gustafson’s insights are directly applicable to the challenges faced by educational leaders today:
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Building Authentic Connections: Educational leaders must master the art of listening and speaking on the frequencies of their stakeholders, whether they are teachers, parents, or students. By prioritizing connection over control, leaders can foster a culture of trust and collaboration.
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Communicating with Clarity and Empathy: In addressing the misconceptions parents hold about their children’s academic performance, leaders must use data as a tool for constructive dialogue rather than confrontation. Gustafson’s emphasis on sensitivity and understanding equips leaders to navigate these difficult conversations effectively.
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Promoting Resilience: The high levels of stress among educators call for leaders who can model resilience and create systems of support. Gustafson’s framework for managing stress—focusing on what can be controlled and fostering internal connectedness—offers a sustainable approach to leadership in challenging environments.
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Fostering a Growth Mindset: By aligning communication strategies with the principles of growth and adaptability, leaders can empower their teams to embrace change and overcome obstacles. Gustafson’s metaphor of the “loneliest whale” serves as a reminder of the transformative power of aligning with others’ perspectives.
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Overcoming Education is an essential read for educational leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of their roles with courage, empathy, and resilience. Gustafson’s blend of practical advice and profound insights challenges leaders to listen deeply, communicate authentically, and lead with purpose. By adopting the strategies outlined in this book, educational leaders can overcome the hurdles of modern education and create lasting, positive change in their communities. This book is not just a guide—it is a call to action for leaders to rise above the noise and make a difference.
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Link to Book: https://amzn.to/3WbgIzl
Otherful: How to change the world (and your school) through other people
Otherful emphasizes the power of servant leadership, relational trust, and storytelling in transforming schools. The book challenges leaders to move beyond control and mandates, advocating instead for authentic connection, recognition of strengths, and fostering a culture where teachers and staff can thrive. As a superintendent, this book reminded me to invest deeply in understanding and amplifying the greatness of my team while embracing my role as a “Lead Storyteller” to shape culture and inspire growth through narratives.
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Key takeaway… “Bet on the greatness of your people. It’s amazing what people will do for a leader who believes in them.”
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Link to the book: ​https://amzn.to/4fPpQAV
Lead from Where You Are: Building Intention, Connection and Direction in Our Schools
Lead from Where You Are by Joe Sanfelippo is a powerful guide for leaders at all levels, emphasizing intention, connection, and shared direction. The book inspires leaders to recognize the value of every individual in their organization, build relationships rooted in trust, and create a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. As a superintendent, this book reinforced my belief in the importance of telling positive stories, valuing every interaction, and ensuring that both students and staff feel seen and supported. It’s a reminder that leadership is less about authority and more about building people up and moving forward together.
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Key takeaway… “Every moment is an opportunity to impact the narrative. The question isn’t if you are going to be remembered, but how?”
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Link to book: https://amzn.to/4gSEbgv
Thrive Through the Five: Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead through Challenging Times
Thrive Through the Five by Dr. Jill Siler offers a candid and empowering perspective on how school leaders can navigate the toughest 5% of their work and life. With honesty and optimism, Dr. Siler shares practical insights and personal stories, encouraging leaders to not just survive but thrive through challenges. As a superintendent, this book resonated deeply, reminding me that the hardest moments can become opportunities for growth, connection, and meaningful impact. It reinforced my belief in perseverance, positivity, and taking the “next best step” to lead with confidence, even in difficult times. Even better, the author is a seasoned school leader who leads through the trials of school leadership. There are so many takeaways from this book that it’s hard to nail one down. My copy is flooded with notes!
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Key takeaway… “We’re defined by our failures only if we let ourselves be. The hardest moments in leadership can transform us, but only if we lean into them.”
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Link to the book: https://amzn.to/4guNaom