Build Better Leadership Habits While School’s Out | Empowered Educator

During the school year, your brain operates in a constant, rapid-response mode. You are juggling decisions, disentangling problems, and navigating emotions (yours and everyone else’s). You’re leading, reacting, adjusting.

But summer offers something rare: a pause. And that pause is a gift - a biological opportunity. Your brain, even at rest, is processing. It’s true! You can literally rewire how you lead…and summer offers a great opportunity to do just that with purpose.

Part 1: Leading With Your Brain On

Neuroscience tells us the brain is flexible and capable of growth at any age. What are the patterns that keep you stuck? The reactions you regret? The emotional fatigue? All of it can shift.

The key?

Intentional reflection and micro-habits.

They are the space for authentic leadership growth. In small ways, you can train your brain to respond differently.

So, as the school year dust settles, ask yourself this:

👉 Where do I want to lead from a calmer,

clearer brain next year? 👈

Part 2: Three Ways You Can Make Space for You

You see two students arguing and assign detention without understanding the situation. “I don’t care who started it; this behavior is unacceptable. You’ll both call your parents and serve detention after school.” Sometimes, we often react quickly in school leadership, jumping to conclusions from past experiences. However, in doing so, we miss important information that aids decision-making. How can we train ourselves to stop making assumptions?

Here are two brain-based habits to try this summer while the pace is slower and the stakes feel lighter:

1. Notice Your Threat Mode Moments

Our brains scan for threats every 5-7 seconds – our level of status, certainty, autonomy, belonging, and fairness. The SCARF model (Dr. David Rock) points to how our perception of each influences our behavior. Start by noticing when they show up for you as perceived threats and get more curious.

Start with reflection:

• “What got under my skin today?”
• “What felt like a threat?”
• “What reward could I create instead?”

Just noticing begins the shift.

2. Shift from Hero to Coach

In heated moments, your default might be to fix, control, or rescue. But what if you paused and considered, “What’s one question I could ask instead of solving this?”

Try asking others:

• “What’s challenging about this for you?”
• “What support would help?”

These small shifts build psychological safety for you and your team.

Leader Call to Action:

You don’t need a sabbatical to grow your brain. You just need to notice.

• Pause. Notice the patterns
• Rewire. Try a new response
• Grow. Wire in a better habit

This summer, lead with your brain on purpose. Because how you show up in August starts with what you train your brain to expect in July.

You’re not just surviving summer. You’re shaping your future leadership.