As a school leader, you do not lead in isolation – even when the work can feel solitary. There is a leadership principle that suggests you are the sum of your five closest professional colleagues. In other words, the people you spend the most time with shape your thinking, stretch your perspective, and influence your standards. So it’s worth asking: Who are your five? Are they people who challenge your assumptions and sharpen your practice? Do they hold you accountable to your values and your vision for students? Or have your circles become comfortable, predictable, and unexamined? In the complexity of school leadership – where every decision carries weight for students, staff, and families -the voices closest to you matter more than you may realize.

This is not about abandoning trusted relationships; it is about intentional calibration. The best principals surround themselves with colleagues who push them to grow, who offer honest feedback, and who bring different lived experiences and lenses to the table. You need people who will help you think systemically, respond thoughtfully, and remain student-centered when the pressure rises. Take a moment this week to assess your five. If your circle no longer stretches you, consider widening it through professional networks, mentorship, or peer groups. Leadership is too important to be shaped by accident. Choose proximity to people who elevate your thinking, deepen your courage, and help you become the leader your school community deserves.