This week, I learned a vital leadership lesson: rally your supporters not only in times of need but regularly—and always take the time to thank them. Leadership thrives on collaboration and the shared commitment to equitable education.

[. . .] As a new leader, this reaction was challenging. Some even questioned my competency because they felt personally offended by my assessment—despite acknowledging that their performance that day wasn’t up to their usual standard.

This situation highlights a common challenge in leadership: when evaluations are based on a rubric, the intent is to provide feedback on professional practice, not to judge personal identity. Yet, feedback is often perceived as a reflection of self-worth, especially when it touches on areas perceived as sensitive or triggering.