What Is True Leadership?

(Seeds of Knowledge: Leadership Series — Article 1)

Leadership is one of the most used, and often misunderstood, words in education today. It appears in mission statements, job titles, and conference themes. But what does true leadership really look like in a school? And what kind of leadership do our schools, our teachers, and our students need to thrive?

True leadership is not about power or prestige. It is not about the size of an office or the number of followers. It is, at its heart, about people, and the influence we have on them. As John Quincy Adams wisely said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

At its core, true leadership is rooted in vision, service, and integrity. It begins with the ability to see a better future, to imagine what a school and its learners can become, even when that vision is not yet visible to others. As Helen Keller once wrote, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Leaders in schools must constantly look ahead, not only preparing for the challenges of today but planting seeds for the possibilities of tomorrow.

Yet vision alone is not enough. True leadership is fundamentally an act of service. The best leaders do not seek to be at the centre of attention, they seek to elevate those around them. They remove barriers, build trust, and create the conditions for others to grow. Lao Tzu captured this beautifully more than two thousand years ago: “A leader is best when people barely know he exists... when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

Finally, leadership is sustained through integrity. In a world where trust is easily lost, leaders must be consistent in word and deed. They must model the values they expect of others, even when no one is watching. As Abraham Lincoln observed, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” In schools, where so much depends on trust, between leaders and teachers, teachers and students, schools and families, this integrity is not optional. It is essential.

What does this look like in practice? In schools, true leadership shows up in many ways. It is the principal who still sees themselves first as a teacher and learner. It is the department head who quietly celebrates the growth of their team. It is the teacher who models leadership in the classroom, giving students voice and responsibility. It is leadership that is shared, relational, and grounded in a deep commitment to the success of others.

There is no one path to leadership, nor a single style that fits all. But one thing is constant: leadership is not a destination. It is a daily practice, one that requires humility, courage, and an unwavering focus on people.

As Simon Sinek reminds us, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” At Seeds of Knowledge, we believe that this kind of leadership, leadership that lifts, connects, and inspires, is the foundation upon which great schools are built.

In the articles that follow, we will explore what it takes to lead in this way, with practical strategies, reflective questions, and stories from leaders around the world who are walking this path.

The journey of leadership is never finished. But every day is a chance to walk it well.