Connected Leaders: Let it Land
Have you ever blown bubbles on a perfect day, watching as they drift effortlessly, shimmering in the sunlight, hoping they’ll land softly before popping and disappearing forever? There’s something magical about that moment, isn’t there?
Now, imagine someone is sharing their experience with you, and that story is their bubble.
Do you let it float all the way through its journey, giving it space to land gently? Or do you sometimes—out of sheer busyness—pop it early, eager to move things along? What might change if you paused just long enough to let that bubble truly touch down?
Last week, at the Huddle Symposium, we explored these questions with a group of dedicated leaders, focusing on those seemingly incidental, yet profoundly impactful, opportunities to practice connected leadership.
School leaders, in particular, are under constant demand. Their schedules are packed, and interactions often become hyper-efficient. While this might keep things moving in the short term, research—and experience—shows that over time, this approach leaves both leaders and their teams running on empty.
We shared the analogy of a car being topped off with just enough fuel from a jerry can to keep it moving—but never enough to fully refuel. That image resonated deeply.
Counterintuitive as it may seem, the most effective leadership often involves slowing down. By giving just a little more time to each interaction and using simple yet powerful microskills, leaders can foster deeper connections. These moments don’t require much—just intentionality:
Actively listen to understand, not just to reply.
Practice empathy to see things from their perspective.
Validate their experience so they feel heard and valued.
Co-create a response, inviting collaboration and shared ownership.
Follow up, demonstrating genuine care and continuity.
These small acts of connection replenish everyone involved—leaders, teams, and students alike. They fill the tank, not just for today, but for the long journey ahead.
Yet, even with these skills, high-pressure days can lead to unhelpful shortcuts. We may rush to minimize someone’s experience or judge too quickly. When that happens, we unintentionally push others away, losing the chance to connect as leaders and to support their growth.
But when we slow down, let the bubble land, and embrace these protective practices, we create something bigger: a culture of connection, well-being, and shared purpose. Everyone thrives—and that’s the kind of leadership worth blowing bubbles for.