Not all lessons come with a manual; some come with mistakes, and moments of clarity from mentors.

Leadership in education is deeply fulfilling—but let’s be real, it’s not always smooth sailing.

When I began my middle leadership journey in 2010 in India, Commerce wasn’t a popular subject, and our department was small. Stepping into Dubai’s educational landscape in 2013 meant starting from scratch. As I progressed into middle and then extended leadership, my team grew and so did my lessons in resilience, self-awareness, and purpose-driven leadership.

Over time, certain lessons have stayed with me, shaped by experiences, enriched by the wisdom of mentors, and inspired by the exceptional leaders I’ve had the privilege to learn from. These are the truths I return to and the responses I’ve chosen to embrace.

Reality: Just because you’re deeply committed to a vision doesn’t mean others will be.

My Takeaway: Lead with passion but ground it in purpose and evidence. Start with the willing and build systems others can step into when they’re ready.

Reality: Being approachable doesn’t mean lowering expectations but the line often blurs.

My Takeaway: I’ve learned to listen deeply while holding the bar steady. Clarity and consistency create a culture where growth is possible.

Reality: Leadership can feel like constant firefighting.

My Takeaway: I’ve shifted from being the fixer to being a facilitator. Sometimes the best support is stepping back and letting others lead.

Reality: When you push for high standards, you may be seen as “too much” or “too driven.”

My Takeaway: You are not here to be liked; you are here to create impact. Trust builds over time when intent is clear, and outcomes speak.

Reality: The To-do list never stops.

My Takeaway: I now prioritize clarity over quantity. I ask: What truly matters? What can I delegate or pause? Intentional leadership is sustainable leadership.

Reality: People come with different energies, expectations, and experiences. Some uplift you, some challenge you and some simply test your patience.

My Takeaway: To meet people where they are, without losing who I am. Leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone, it’s about staying grounded while navigating the grey.

Reality: You can’t take on every project or solve every problem.

My Takeaway: I’ve stopped glorifying busyness. Saying “no” to the good allows me to say “yes” to what’s essential. Focus is the new hustle.

Reality: I used to feel awkward when receiving compliments, quick to downplay or deflect them.

My Takeaway: Over time, I’ve realized that owning your worth is not arrogance, it’s self-awareness. You can be humble and confident. You can be kind and assertive. Now, I receive appreciation with gratitude, not guilty because every step of the journey has been earned

These aren’t easy lessons, but they’ve made me stronger, more grounded, and hopefully, a more human leader. I’m still very much a learner, committed to growing, evolving, and showing up each day as the best version of myself. To all education leaders out there juggling strategic vision, academic standards, and staff wellbeing: I see you. The work you do matters more than you might realize on difficult days. Let's keep sharing our experiences, supporting one another, and learning from both our successes and our struggles.

Leadership in education isn't just about managing systems or implementing policies, it's about nurturing human potential while navigating very human challenges. The journey is complex, but it's also profoundly rewarding when we approach it with honesty, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. Which of these lessons resonates most with your leadership journey?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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