The Power of Feedback: Strengthening Leadership and Collaboration in Schools
As an assistant principal at one of Iowa’s largest and highest-achieving schools, I have the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team of educators, staff, students, and families. Each day is an opportunity to build trust, foster growth, and lead with intention. One of the most powerful — yet often overlooked — tools I have discovered in my leadership journey is the act of requesting feedback from those I work with.
Why Feedback Matters
In a dynamic school environment, feedback serves as a mirror. It reflects how our actions, decisions, and communication are received by others. While formal evaluations and performance metrics offer structured insights, real growth often stems from the authentic, day-to-day feedback shared by colleagues, teachers, support staff, and even students.
Requesting feedback shows a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. It sends a clear message: I value your perspective. I am committed to getting better. In a high-performing school, where excellence is the standard, continuous personal and professional growth isn’t just encouraged — it’s essential.
Building a Culture of Trust
Asking for feedback doesn’t just improve individual leadership; it strengthens the fabric of the entire school culture. When leaders are open to receiving feedback, they model vulnerability and courage. This, in turn, creates a safe space where teachers and staff feel empowered to share ideas, voice concerns, and innovate without fear of judgment.
In a school community, trust is not built in a single moment. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions — and one of the most powerful actions a leader can take is to sincerely seek out and act upon feedback.
Leading by Example
Our staff watch us more than we realize. When they see school leaders embrace feedback openly and non-defensively, they learn a powerful life lesson: growth comes from reflection, not perfection. As an assistant principal, I see requesting feedback not as a sign of weakness, but as a leadership strength — a commitment to humility, excellence, and collaboration.
At the heart of education is the belief that everyone can grow. By seeking feedback from those we work with, we live that belief ourselves and inspire others to do the same.
