Not All Great Teachers Make Great Leaders — And That’s Okay

I’ve had many leaders across my teaching career. Some were incredible. Some were just surviving. Most were simply thrown into leadership because they were excellent teachers — and while that makes sense on the surface, here’s the hard truth:

"Being a great teacher doesn’t automatically make you a great leader."

Leadership is a whole other skillset. And in our sector, it’s one we often expect people to just figure out as they go. No roadmap. No mentoring. No time to develop the emotional and relational intelligence leadership really takes.

I get why it happens. But it’s time we did better — for our teams, our tamariki, and the future of our profession.

Leadership requires… leadership.

Too often, great teachers are promoted into leadership roles and left to navigate it alone. What once felt clear and rewarding quickly becomes overwhelming. The spark that made them great dims under the weight of staffing challenges, documentation demands, and the emotional labour of leading people.

The leaders who thrive? They aren’t perfect. But they are intentional. They:

• Choose courage over comfort – They speak the hard truths kindly and make space for growth.

• Stay deeply reflective – They own their part, ask better questions, and lead with curiosity.

• Know how to connect – They understand that every team member needs something different to thrive.

• Build trust deliberately – Not with authority, but with presence, vulnerability, and consistency.

• Hold both vision and compassion – They push for better while holding space for the human stuff.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to show up, even when it’s messy or hard.

Leading in calm is one thing. Leading through crisis is another.

Maintaining harmony in a well-settled team is one thing. Leading through change, conflict, or growth is another.

Getting a team from forming or storming to performing takes more than positivity and presence. It takes:

• Clarity of purpose (Simon Sinek: Start with why)

• Trust and accountability (Patrick Lencioni: No real growth without vulnerability-based trust)

• Emotional literacy and boundaries (Brené Brown: Clear is kind)

• And above all, a leader’s commitment to their own growth and self-awareness

Leadership is a practice, not a position.

You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be present. You need to be growing. Because great leadership isn’t just about systems and checklists — it’s about culture, clarity, and courage.

And right now, our sector is crying out for leadership that doesn’t just keep things afloat… but actually builds something better.

Leadership begins with connection. When we lead through listening, reflection, and presence, we create space for real growth to happen.

Why ECE Leadership Development Matters More Than Ever

This is my passion — helping leaders grow into the role in a way that’s sustainable, authentic, and fulfilling. Whether you’re a new team leader, a centre manager, or someone thinking about stepping into leadership, you deserve to be supported in that journey.

At HeartLead NZ, I work alongside teachers and leaders to reflect, reset, and lead with heart. Whether you're stepping into leadership or already leading a team, ECE leadership development is about more than learning strategies — it's about growing into the kind of leader our sector truly needs.

Because strong leaders grow strong teams. And strong teams grow thriving tamariki.

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