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Ep 069 — People First, Everything Else Second: A Minimalist Leadership Principle with Laurie Namey
Description
Laurie Namey shares how prioritizing people first in educational leadership leads to transformative school cultures and student achievement. Her leadership philosophy centers on a minimalist principle, proving that when people are valued first, everything else falls into place.
• Prioritize people by day, paperwork by night
• The physical environment communicates value – students deserve clean, well-maintained spaces
• Create non-negotiable routines that center on student interactions
• Personalized communication matters – handwritten notes have profound impact
• Allow space for vulnerability in leadership when facing challenges
• In crisis moments, focus solely on what's best for students
• Core values and clear purpose help maintain balance during difficult situations
• Hard work, consistent routines, and putting people first are foundation for success
Remember what's at the heart of our work – taking care of children first, everything else second.
Find our book The Minimalist Teacher and Your School Leadership Edit: A Minimalist Approach to Rethinking Your School's Ecosystem at the links!
Follow on Instagram @PlanZEducation and @minimalist_ed_podcast.
The Minimalist Educator Podcast is a Plan Z Education Services adventure.