As Hurricane Milton swept through our communities, I witnessed countless acts of leadership in action. Meteorologists tracked the storm, linemen worked tirelessly to restore power, local officials coordinated relief efforts, and volunteers stepped up wherever needed. Each of these leaders showed me that true leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about stepping up when it matters most.
In these moments, I found myself reflecting on the leadership we see daily in our schools and districts. While the work we do in education is far removed from the immediate crisis of a natural disaster, the core principles of leadership are similar. Preparing, communicating clearly, empowering others, leading with empathy, and rebuilding with resilience—all these traits are as vital in schools and classrooms everywhere.
Here are six leadership lessons from Hurricane Milton that I’m carrying with me as I partner with districts, schools, and my team.
- Prepare for the Unexpected, But Stay Agile
Communities with emergency plans weathered Hurricane Milton better, but those that adapted quickly fared best. In education, preparation is essential, but flexibility is key when unexpected challenges arise. Leaders must be ready to pivot, whether it’s a sudden policy change or a crisis.
Lesson for Leaders: Preparation is crucial, but flexibility is equally important. Stay agile and make real-time decisions that support all students and staff through any challenge. |
- Communication is the Lifeline
Clear and consistent communication during the hurricane kept communities informed and calm. In schools, effective communication—especially during disruptions—keeps trust intact and minimizes confusion. The clearer the message, the better everyone can respond.
Lesson for Leaders: Be proactive in communicating. Clear, timely updates keep everyone on the same page, reducing stress and building trust, especially during uncertain times. |
- Empower Your Team to Act
Leaders didn’t work alone during Hurricane Milton—volunteers, linemen, and community members all played vital roles. The same holds true in schools. Leaders who empower their teams create a stronger, more responsive environment where problems are solved more quickly.
Lesson for Leaders: Empower those closest to the work. Distributing leadership helps tackle challenges faster and strengthens the team’s overall capacity. |
- Lead with Empathy and Compassion
In the aftermath of the hurricane, leaders who led with empathy helped communities feel seen and supported. In education, whether helping a teacher through a tough time or responding to student needs, compassionate leadership builds a trusting, resilient culture.
Lesson for Leaders: Always lead with heart. Understanding the emotional toll on students, staff, and families fosters deeper connections and trust. |
- Build Back Stronger—Resilience as a Long-Term Strategy
In the face of devastation, communities are rebuilding with resilience, restoring what was lost and growing stronger. In education, setbacks—whether low scores or other challenges—can be catalysts for innovation and improvement.
Lesson for Leaders: Resilience is about more than recovery. Leaders can use challenges as opportunities to reflect, pivot, innovate, and build more robust systems for the future. |
- Never Underestimate the Power of Relationships
Strong relationships have been essential to navigating the chaos of Hurricane Milton. In schools and districts, the relationships we build with colleagues, students, families, and communities become a foundation of support, especially during times of uncertainty.
Lesson for Leaders: Prioritize relationships. Trust and strong connections will carry teams through difficult moments and help maintain stability when the unexpected happens. |
Final Thoughts:
The leadership I’ve seen throughout Hurricane Milton reinforces that leadership is as much about heart as it is about strategy. Whether it’s in the middle of a storm or navigating the challenges of a school year, the same principles—preparation, communication, empowerment, empathy, resilience, and relationships—hold true. These are the cornerstones of leadership that help us through crises and build stronger, more unified communities.
As educational leaders, we have the power to apply these lessons every day. Let’s prepare, lead with compassion, and build the relationships and systems that help our districts and schools emerge stronger—no matter the storm we face next.
