The Edgework Principle: What Every Head Needs to Know About Leading at the Limit

Let’s talk about the unique role of school leaders - and how to lead “at the limit” and “on the edge.”

In a recent podcast, hosted by Peter Baron, I dive into edgework and strategies to support the unique role of the head of school. Head over to Peter’s MoonshotOS website and the podcast, The Edgework Principle, for or more insights and conversation. You’ll get a look into the life of the head and the challenge of being a strong leader while being able to say ‘I am not sure.”

Here are the highlights.

Defining Your Growth Edge: True learning occurs only when leaders lean beyond their current skills and confidence, keeping one foot in their comfort zone to avoid the panic zone.

Avoiding the Trap of Perceived Ease: When leaders make their work look effortless, boards may unintentionally add more to their plates without accounting for burnout or implementation complexity.

Establishing a Shared Language for Discomfort: Naming Edgework as a common organizational term creates a safe harbor for vulnerability, preventing the reflexive defensiveness that often occurs when leaders or boards feel out of their depth.

Prioritizing Generative Governance: Shift board dynamics from purely transactional decision making to generative thought partnership by carving out space to surface questions and perspectives without the immediate pressure of an action item.

Implementing a Tiered Leadership Framework:Foster transparency by structuring check-ins around three levels: accomplishments to celebrate, projects in progress to troubleshoot, and open-ended crazy ideas to fuel future innovation.