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6 Essential Practices for Thriving as a First-Year Principal

Writer's picture: Daphne WallbridgeDaphne Wallbridge

Updated: Jan 19

We’re in January, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year so far and start thinking about the future. For many educators, this might be the year they step into the role of principal, embracing the exciting, challenging, and rewarding journey of school leadership. If you’re considering this leap—or are already in the midst of your first year—here are my favorite non-negotiable practices to set yourself up for success and make a meaningful impact as a school leader.

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Thriving as a new school leader is possible

Curate Your Leadership "Board of Directors"


Leadership can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Building a personal “Board of Directors” is about intentionally surrounding yourself with mentors, peers, and thought leaders who challenge and support you. This isn’t a formal board—it’s a group of trusted advisors you can turn to for honest feedback, strategic guidance, and perspective. Whether it’s a retired principal, a district leader, or a colleague with a different expertise, these individuals will provide you with the wisdom and clarity to navigate difficult decisions and refine your leadership style. Regularly connecting with them keeps you grounded, motivated, and continually learning.


Embrace Radical Transparency


Gone are the days when leadership meant always having the answers. Today’s most effective principals lead with vulnerability and openness, creating a culture of trust and collaboration. Radical transparency means inviting your team into your thought processes, sharing the reasoning behind decisions, and being candid about challenges. When you do this, you build a sense of shared ownership with your staff, showing them that their input matters. Transparency doesn’t mean oversharing—it’s about being strategic and honest, creating a foundation of trust that empowers everyone to contribute to the school’s success.


Gamify Teacher and Student Engagement


Engagement isn’t just about hard work—it’s about making the process enjoyable and motivating for everyone involved. Gamifying elements of your school culture can inject energy and excitement into your community. For example, you might create friendly competitions among teachers for innovative lesson plans or foster a school-wide reading challenge for students. Recognizing and rewarding participation, whether through public acknowledgment or small incentives, transforms everyday tasks into opportunities for connection and celebration. Gamification creates a ripple effect, boosting morale and reinforcing a positive school climate.


Design a Leadership Sprint System


The first year as a principal can feel like an endless to-do list, but trying to tackle everything at once leads to burnout. A leadership sprint system involves focusing intensely on one specific goal for 30 days, creating quick wins while maintaining clarity and momentum. Whether it’s streamlining communication with staff or enhancing a particular student support system, breaking big goals into short, actionable timelines allows you to make measurable progress. At the end of each sprint, reflect on what worked, adjust your approach, and move forward with confidence. This habit not only helps you stay organized but also cultivates a sense of achievement in your leadership journey.


Conduct a "Shadow Day" as a Student


If you really want to understand your school’s culture, there’s no better way than walking in the shoes of your students. Spending a day attending classes, sitting in their desks, and navigating the hallways offers invaluable insights into the everyday experiences of the young people you serve. A shadow day helps you identify areas for improvement—whether it’s outdated instructional methods, logistical inefficiencies, or hidden opportunities for fostering inclusion and engagement. The experience will deepen your empathy and provide a fresh perspective, shaping decisions that prioritize the well-being and growth of every student.


Build Your Legacy Binder


Your first year as a principal is filled with pivotal moments, from small wins to major breakthroughs. Creating a legacy binder allows you to document these experiences, preserving valuable lessons for future reference. This living record is more than a personal diary; it’s a leadership playbook that evolves with you. By setting aside time each week to jot down reflections, key decisions, and noteworthy successes, you’ll build a resource you can revisit for inspiration and learning. Over time, your legacy binder becomes a testament to your growth and a guide for leading with greater clarity and purpose.



The first year as a principal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to define your leadership identity. By adopting these six practices, you’ll not only thrive in your role but also lay the foundation for a lasting legacy. Whether you’re preparing to take the leap or already navigating the journey, these non-negotiables will help you lead with confidence, creativity, and impact.


Don’t navigate your first year as a principal alone!


Head over to the Freebies section of this site and explore a treasure trove of tools and strategies designed just for you.


📚 Book Lists to inspire and guide your growth.


📖 The Ultimate Onboarding Playbook to help you hit the ground running.


🎥 A Library of Coaching Videos packed with actionable insights to support your journey.


🎯 And the FYP Support Squad Private FB Group!



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