As leaders, we often get caught up in the day-to-day whirlwind of tasks, weeks packed with deadlines, and months filled with events. Without a system for reflection, we risk losing control of our priorities and simply reacting to circumstances. Progress monitoring isn’t just a helpful tool—it’s a proactive way to ensure that we stay aligned with our vision and goals, rather than waiting for directives from supervisors to course-correct.

During Week 1, I received some impactful feedback that truly made me reflect. One of our school’s guidance counselors praised me for remaining calm and composed during a challenging situation. We had planned a town hall event in the library, but when we arrived, the library was occupied. As a result, seventy-five middle schoolers were lined up in the hallway, waiting and creating quite a bit of noise. Despite the chaos, I reassured a staff member that we would find a solution, which helped to swiftly address the situation. The guidance counselor noticed this and appreciated how I handled it, highlighting the importance of maintaining a steady demeanor in the face of adversity.