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“There is another set of seemingly more personal characteristics that all effective leaders possess, which I have labeled the energy-enthusiasm-hopefulness constellation. Whatever the case, effective leaders make people feel that even the most difficult problems can be tackled productively. They are always hopeful-conveying a sense of optimism and an attitude of never giving up in the pursuit of highly valued goals.”- Michael Fullan

I had been an assistant principal only one year before landing my first job as an elementary school principal with a student body of over 1000 students. The school I left was half the size, and the instructional team was completely different. Let’s be honest,

I was scared and clueless, much like I am in the kitchen.

However, as a novice cook, I’ve discovered that I can make a great meal when I’m working with the right cooking tools and recipes. Leadership works much of the same way. As a new school leader, I had to be open to the challenge of embracing change and open to developing new systems for learning success. During my tenure at the school, many elements propelled us from a program improvement school to a Title I Academic Achievement, Gold Ribbon, Models of Academic Excellence, and Civic Learning School.

However, the most important thing we did as a leadership team was being willing to try new recipes for success, cook with the passion tools that saved us time aligning with our goals for teaching and learning. Leaders of change will need to stay open to trying new strategies. Leaders will empower others to be creative and advance. Complacency is an enemy to innovation. Useful leadership recipes cause people to move forward and add new ingredients to the organization.

Here are four Instapot inspired leadership lessons– I learned in my early years as a school principal.

Find a recipe where every season can be involved.

In other words, encourage all team members to get involved. Let each of them know that their spice is unique, and their involvement is an essential ingredient helping the team achieve the goals. Get inspiration from others and learn from them. It’s like the moment you are in the kitchen with your Instapot, you open your seasoning cabinet and decide to mix in new seasonings, then discover the mixing of all the different flavors creates an amazing original taste.

Michael Fullan states in the book Leading in a Culture of Change:

“Successful organizations don’t go with only like-minded innovators; they deliberately build in differences. They don’t mind so much when others-not just themselves-disturb the equilibrium” (p 43).

What are the implications of leaders using the dynamic talents of team members to tackle change and build coherence? There is no one formula for change, but a successful change leader will think transformationally.

Study how others have created and improved upon recipes for leadership success.

Unwrap their failures and successes. Reflect on how you can apply the learnings to your new method. Challenge yourself to do something new. Work on gaining new skills. You will have problems as it is inevitable. Push through the challenges and be determined throughout the discovery process.

Don’t forget the fun parts.

While you are learning lessons and working to stay relevant in your specialty area, remember to have fun! As leaders, we will spend a lot of time researching and doing the work. However, enjoying your work and being a part of a learning community enables the vision and mission to become seasoned and widespread. Teaming in the leadership kitchen renders an opportunity to have an accountability partner and steam up fresh ideas.

As a leader, you are one of a kind.

Take care of yourself

It is essential to be well and exercise. It is okay to sometimes be silly. Allow yourself to be spontaneous and take a calculated risk. Sprinkle your passion in every recipe as it is what you will be known for. It’s your secret ingredient. Every time, you will be sure to create something deliciously new because nobody can be you!

A Recipe for Your InstaPot