Gratitude and Perspective: A Different Way to Lead

by Dr. Brandi Kelly

November is Gratitude Month at The Worthy Educator!

Last year, I walked into my office feeling completely drained. Budgets were tighter than ever, staff shortages stretched everyone to the limit, and behavioral issues seemed to escalate daily. I was doing everything I could—checking boxes, attending endless meetings, trying to “fix” every problem—but nothing seemed to stick. I felt like I was running on a treadmill that kept speeding up.

Then one morning, my coach asked me a question that stopped me cold:

“Are you focused on what you’re doing, or who you’re being?”

It hit me—I had been so consumed with doing—solving problems, managing crises—that I’d forgotten the power of simply being. Who I was being as a leader—grateful, calm, intentional—could shape the culture far more than any task I completed.

I decided to try something radical. Each morning, I paused to reflect on what I was grateful for: a teacher staying late to help a struggling student, a staff member offering support to a colleague, small wins happening quietly in classrooms. Instead of trying to fix everything, I focused on being a leader who appreciated, encouraged, and uplifted others.

Within weeks, the difference was palpable. Gratitude wasn’t just a feel-good exercise—it became a leadership superpower. My presence shifted, staff morale lifted, and even challenging behaviors started to feel more manageable. That small change in me rippled outward, influencing the entire school culture.

When leaders shift from “doing” to “being,” gratitude transforms from a nice idea into a tool for impact. Even amid budget cuts, staff shortages, and behavioral challenges, simply appreciating effort and modeling positivity can transform your mindset—and your school.

Three Takeaways for Leaders:

1. Being Habits Over Doing Habits Focus on who you are being, not just what you’re doing. Your presence and mindset shape the culture more than any checklist or task.
   

2. Start With Gratitude Begin each day by noticing wins, big or small. A grateful leader models resilience and inspires positivity in their team.
   

3. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities Difficult moments aren’t just obstacles—they’re chances to model calm, empathy, and perseverance. How you respond can inspire staff and students alike.

Leadership isn’t only about what you accomplish—it’s about who you are in the process. Shift your perspective, lead with gratitude, and watch your influence grow in ways you never imagined.

Dr. Brandi Kelly brings 20+ years of heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership in education. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Maxwell Certified Coach who has served as a school social worker, principal, and as a superintendent. As a two time Principal of the Year Award honoree, Brandi is now the founder of Spark HOPE Edu. Through her H.O.P.E. System—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—she shares the good stuff: hope, love, and joy. Her mission is to equip leaders to build resilient schools and communities where people feel seen, heard, and valued. You can contact Brandi via email here.

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THE PERFECT RESET TO A CAREER AND A LIFE OF GRATITUDE!

Just published by The Worthy Educator Press!

School Seasons xSELeratED:

A Year of Community and Collective Growth for Educators, written by our

Team xSELeratED: Leigh Reagan Alley,

Heather Lageman & Walter McKenzie

A a monthly guide of reflexive practices that span the entire school year, designed not to be something extra, but as an essential companion for educator well-being, growth and fulfillment!

SEL culture, and instructional routines can work together as mutually reinforcing practices, and this is your companion to make it happen! School Seasons xSELeratED offers month-by-month playbooks aligned to our xSELeratED Schools Framework, pairing ready-to-use micro-moves with gentle, human-centered rituals that protect your energy while building your momentum!

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