From Survival to Leadership
DARRIN PEPPARD, Ed.D. • SPEAKER, AUTHOR, AND CONSULTANTWhen I first stepped into the role of principal, I was overwhelmed. My days were consumed by putting out fires, juggling countless tasks, and trying to manage rather than lead. I knew something had to change—and that change came when a new superintendent introduced leadership coaching into our district.
My coach didn’t just give me tools; he gave me a new way to think about leadership. He taught me to focus on what truly mattered—my “big rocks.” By identifying priorities and building systems, I learned to stop being reactive and start leading with intentionality. One of the first game changers was giving my secretary full access to my calendar and email. That shift alone freed me to focus on high-impact work rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
The Power of Systems
Clarity needs structure. Building systems allows you to streamline tasks, reduce stress, and focus on long-term goals. Here are five key benefits of systems:
Efficiency: Reclaim time by organizing tasks like classroom visits or staff meetings.
Consistency: Set clear expectations to build trust and accountability.
Stress Reduction: Avoid burnout by reducing decision fatigue with predictable workflows.
Delegation: Empower your team to take ownership of tasks.
Goal Alignment: Use tools like progress-tracking to stay focused on what matters.
Practical Tools for Leaders
A simple weekly planner can make a big difference:
Set Weekly Goals: Define what moves the needle.
Time Block Daily Tasks: Reserve time for high-priority work.
Reflect Daily and Weekly: Adjust as needed to stay aligned with your vision.
This planner became a cornerstone of my leadership transformation, helping me stay focused even on chaotic days. It reminded me to reflect on what went well, what needed adjustment, and how I could better align my actions with my goals.
Start Small, Build Momentum
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s creating a system for communication or planning classroom visits, small steps lead to big results. For leaders stepping into challenging roles, like stabilizing a struggling school, clarity and systems provide the foundation for success.
One moment that stands out to me is when a previously critical teacher told me she trusted my leadership and believed in the direction I was taking the school. It was a turning point that reminded me how powerful clarity and trust can be in transforming a team.
Take the Next Step
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to explore The Principal Academy and our flagship course, Take Control of Your Leadership. These resources are designed to help school leaders build clarity, create systems, and lead with intention. Don’t wait to make the transformation you’ve been seeking—start today and thrive as a leader.
Learn more and enroll here: https://www.theprincipalacademy.com/
DR. DARRIN PEPPARD
Dr. Darrin Peppard is a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership expert, and consultant with a passion for transforming organizational culture and developing the next generation of leaders. As a former high school principal turned leadership coach, Darrin draws from nearly 30 years of experience in education to inspire leaders to embrace clarity, purpose, and joy in their work. He is the best-selling author of Road to Awesome and hosts the popular Leaning Into Leadership podcast, where he shares actionable insights on leadership, team development, and creating thriving, purpose-driven cultures. With his engaging and authentic approach, Darrin helps organizations reimagine their culture, cultivate strong leadership, and foster environments where people and teams can truly excel.