The Courageous Heart of Kindness: Transformational Leadership in Education
DR. LA-TRICE JOHNSON, CEO OF LEVELS AND MINDSET, LLC & UNIVERSITY LECTURER & EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTKindness is often viewed as an essential characteristic and value in educational leadership. However, it’s just as important to contextualize the act of kindness. What does being kind mean, particularly as a transformational leader? This question has been in my path as a leader. I have been confronted with the dilemma of the kindness of the way those I lead see it to be versus knowing what is right and putting actions into place to ensure the best outcome for all I serve.
The Fallacy of KindnesS
Many think of a kind leader as constantly nodding in agreement, conflict-avoidant, and those who will not rock the boat for everybody’s comfort. Agreeing to go along just to get along is not what kindness in leadership is about—especially transformational leadership. In transformational leadership, the end goal is change (for the better). Kindness in leadership, in this case, is crucial, but it is the willingness to have the tough talks, tackle the teacher silos, and make unpleasing but necessary calls that shape a positive school culture and climate.
Consider a situation where a teacher needs to work with the team to implement agreed-upon student engagement strategies. Conflict avoiders often let this problem pass as they say the person is nice or has their way, and it’s easier for them to continue their practice. Nice? Is it nice to not speak up? Real kindness comes as the need for collaboration, agreements, and team support aligns with the greater good rather than an individual’s wanting to continue being in a silo. Clear conversations, done with care and a support plan, show that team collaboration is critical to success and show the all (team) that you, as the leader, support them too. It’s not about punishment but understanding and clarity in letting everyone involved know where you, as the leader, stand on setting goals and committing to them. Read kindness is to speak up, have the talk, support the efforts, and provide resources. The great good is success!
Balancing Kindness and Accountability
One of the most complex parts of kind leadership is balancing feeling for another and being accountable for one’s actions. Kind leaders are consistent, mean what they say, and model the way. The kind leader understands that everyone they lead hangs on their words and actions. The kind leader exhibits fairness. Aligning practices with the mission statement and agreed-upon practices lends clarity and expectations for everyone, not just a chosen few. After all, that would be unfair. Everyone has a voice, and that voice is valued. Everyone is heard. It doesn’t always mean that everyone agrees. Communication is fostered. As well, respect is had by all diverse perspectives. There are strategies a leader can use to ensure that words are backed by actions, even in the most challenging of situations. These strategies include:
Actively listen: Seek to understand before being understood. Restate what you’ve heard to ensure clarity.
Regularly check-in: Don’t wait for formal evaluations. Regular check-ins show that you care about ongoing progress.
Be authentic: Let your team know you are both a leader and a person. Vulnerability can be a powerful strength.
Celebrate wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. It motivates and reinforces positive change.
The Development of Kind Leadership Over Time
My understanding of how to lead with kindness has changed significantly. I've learned that everyone, including me, wants to be heard and seen. Listening to other points of view and working together are necessary for making good decisions. Out of the many books on leadership I’ve read through the years and continue to read, such as thought leaders like Patrick Lencioni, who have influenced me, I now know that transformational leadership comes from leading from the heart. It is a lived experience shaped by practice and reflection, not something that can be learned from a book. Kindness in leadership is mainly a process. Transformation necessitates patience, tenacity, and a determination to include your team members in your progress. See your people so that they can see you as the influential leader that you are. Celebrate the small victories, identify the dysfunctions in your organization, and keep moving forward. An act of kindness toward your team and the students you serve is a small step toward positive change.
Conclusion
What does kindness mean in leadership? It means that a leader is courageous. In educational leadership, speaking up and being the voice for those you lead is critical. Remember, they are watching you. How you lead the way shows where you stand in supporting staff, students, and the community. Empathy, compassion, accountability, and commitment to growth maintain a streamlined process to navigate the journey. As you grow in your transformational leadership role, embrace the power of kindness. Kindness is not always easy, neither is being “nice.” True transformation begins with brave actions and a heart for what’s right.
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DR. LA-TRICE JOHNSON
Dr. La-Trice Johnson, a transformational leader with over 28 years of experience (former principal), is a guiding force in the field of education. She holds an educational doctorate in Administrative Leadership for Teaching and Learning from Walden University. As the CEO and Founder of Levels and Mindset, LLC, she empowers educators through professional development, instructional coaching, and leadership training, emphasizing transformative practices that create inclusive and supportive school cultures. Her leadership blends transformational and instructional leadership, inspiring educators to exceed expectations while ensuring academic excellence and equitable student outcomes.
Through Levels and Mindset, LLC, Dr. Johnson has developed impactful programs such as “Transformational Leadership Through Inquiry-Based Practices,” which guides school leaders in shaping school culture. Additionally, she offers 1:1 and group coaching programs that consistently lead to successful individual and collective outcomes, instilling confidence and reassurance in the participants
Beyond her company, Dr. Johnson is a Lecturer and Supervisor of Teacher Education in the Teacher Education Program at the University of California, Riverside. Leveraging her years of experience, wisdom, and love, she mentors future educators, focusing on teaching and learning with an emphasis on social justice. Her work continues to catalyze hope for the future of education as she inspires and transforms school communities.
Dr. Johnson’s expertise spans curriculum design, professional learning communities, social-emotional learning, and mindset development. Her deep commitment to empowering educators to become reflective practitioners and transformative leaders underpins her work, helping educators enrich the learning experiences of all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
To learn more about Levels and Mindset, LLC, visit www.levelsandmindset.com. There, you will find information about programs and coaching opportunities. You can also follow Levels and Mindset, LLC on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join the Levels and Mindset Leadership Collaborative, where free micro-training and resources are offered.