In a recent conversation with Nicole McDermott, an experienced head of school, executive coach, and search consultant, she shared profound insights on leadership, building a healthy school culture, and managing change in independent schools. Drawing from her experience in education and her certification as a Dare to Lead™ facilitator, Nicole spoke candidly about the principles guiding her work with school leaders and the challenges faced by educational institutions today. Here are eight insights that I believe every independent school leader can learn from.
Building a Whole-Staff Culture
Schools frequently talk about taking a “whole-child” approach, but Nicole advocates for extending this philosophy to staff. “If we're investing in the whole child, we should also be taking a whole-person approach with our staff,” she said. She emphasized that supporting teachers’ emotional well-being directly impacts students. “Educator well-being is student well-being,” Nicole stated, highlighting the need for schools to offer personal growth opportunities for all employees, not just classroom-focused professional development.Addressing Generational Diversity
With Gen Z now entering the workforce, Nicole noted significant generational differences in communication styles and workplace values. She views these differences as a diversity strength that schools must learn to harness. “Taking care of our people means building a stronger community,” she explained. For her, understanding and adapting to these diverse perspectives helps foster a more inclusive environment, enhancing the school’s resilience and ability to serve its students effectively.Encouraging New Voices in School Communities
Nicole identified a common issue in independent schools: new employees are often advised to “keep their heads down” during their first year. She sees this as a missed opportunity. “New staff bring fresh insights, especially those from outside the independent school world,” she said. She encourages schools to create spaces where all voices are valued from day one. “Everyone should feel their perspective is wanted, even if it doesn't lead to immediate change. It’s about building an engaged community.”The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership
Reflecting on her work with Brene Brown’s principles, Nicole stressed the importance of vulnerability for leaders. “People are hard to hate close-up, move in,” she quoted, explaining that showing up with vulnerability and curiosity helps defuse conflicts and build trust. She finds that school leaders who are open about their own uncertainties and emotions are better able to connect with their teams and foster an environment where all members feel valued and heard.Shifting Professional Development Priorities
Traditional professional development often centers on program-specific skills, but Nicole suggests shifting the focus toward developing interpersonal and reflective capacities in staff. “Professional development shouldn't just be about implementing a new math curriculum,” she argued. Instead, schools should consider PD that fosters personal growth, building stronger staff relationships and creating a more supportive environment for students.Managing Change with Storytelling
Nicole sees storytelling as a powerful tool for driving change within schools. She explained that when leaders use narrative to frame change as positive and meaningful, it becomes less intimidating. “People need subtle, consistent messages that reinforce a sense of stability even amid change,” she said. She likens change management to “getting everyone on the train,” where some might be fully on board, while others hang back, but ultimately everyone is moving in the same direction.Broadening the Candidate Pool for School Leadership
In her search consultancy role, Nicole has observed a shift toward younger and nontraditional candidates for school leadership roles, including MBAs and individuals with nonprofit experience. This diversification is an opportunity for schools to bring in innovative ideas, she believes, but only if search committees are open-minded. “We want to see the whole person, not just the traditional checklist,” she shared. By broadening candidate profiles, schools can find leaders who bring fresh perspectives and adaptability.The Connection Between Social-Emotional Learning and Future Success
Nicole advocates for prioritizing social-emotional learning, not just for students but as a guiding value for the school community. She noted that as society grapples with AI and automation, the relational, social, and emotional skills cultivated through education are becoming more critical. “Students’ emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills will take them farther than any test score,” she remarked. For Nicole, this means nurturing an environment where both students and staff can grow emotionally, helping prepare students for an unpredictable future.
Nicole McDermott’s insights provide a refreshing look at the way independent schools can strengthen their culture, support their staff, and navigate change effectively. By focusing on people, schools can foster an environment that truly prioritizes learning and growth for everyone in the community.