Most leaders learn the theory and practical mechanics of change management before they’re promoted to a title. However, the practicality of whether an individual has the competency to undertake a change management project is rarely taught or considered.

So, do you? And how would you know if you did?

This post spotlights the nine most critical skills a leader needs to successfully elicit change and how to develop them if they’re not already in your Swiss-army knife of available competencies.

Navigating change in schools can feel like steering a ship through a storm—every decision must account for the complex, interconnected systems of students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Yet, effective change management is a skill set that can be developed, even if it initially seems elusive.

Contrary to the belief that leadership qualities are innate, research shows that leaders who master specific competencies are better equipped to guide their schools through successful transformations. This guide outlines nine essential competencies for school leaders, from least to most critical.

Fostering these competencies isn’t just about personal growth for school leaders—it directly impacts their ability to guide their institutions through evolving educational landscapes.

We often think of school leaders only as principals. But this is not the case. School leadership at every level requires these competencies to be practised and mastered.

Developing and eventually conquering these skills will prepare you to inspire and lead sustainable change in your school.

9. Self-Assessment and Reflection

Why It Matters: Self-awareness is the foundation for improvement. Leaders who routinely reflect on their performance are more likely to recognise both strengths and areas for growth. While this competency supports others rather than standing alone, it’s a critical piece of the puzzle.

How to Develop It: Use tools like 360-degree feedback and personal leadership assessments and make time for regular self-reflection. Hogan Assessments provide some great evidence-based options to help identify your strengths and areas of improvement.

Evaluate past decisions, celebrate successes, and take responsibility for missteps.

Key Insight: Leaders who self-reflect can refine their approach continuously, adapting to the unique challenges of educational environments.

8. Coaching and Mentoring Future Change Leaders

Why It Matters: Sustainable change depends on preparing the next generation of leaders. A school that nurtures future leaders builds resilience and a culture of continuous improvement. While the immediate impact may not be visible, mentoring builds a leadership pipeline that ensures long-term stability.

How to Develop It: Establish mentorship programs within your school, pairing experienced staff with emerging leaders. Offer structured opportunities for aspiring leaders to practice change management skills, such as leading smaller initiatives or co-chairing projects.

Key Insight: Schools that empower emerging leaders can continue to adapt and thrive, regardless of individual leadership changes.

7. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

Why It Matters: Making timely, informed decisions and solving unexpected problems is essential. Change initiatives rarely follow a straight line, so leaders need the skills to navigate obstacles and adjust strategies.

Harvard Business Review points out that data-informed decision-making is critical for navigating complex organisational challenges, enabling leaders to act clearly and confidently​. However, other research challenges leaders to trust their gut instinct, not instead of data, because analysis can’t always provide the data you need promptly.

How to Develop It: Practice data-informed decision-making while also trusting your instincts. Review past decisions, focusing on what worked and what didn’t, and apply these insights to future challenges.

Key Insight: Effective decision-makers keep change moving forward, maintaining momentum even in the face of setbacks.

Book to Read: "Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work" by Chip and Dan Heath provides a framework for making better, more confident decisions in complex situations.

6. Project Management and Organizational Skills

Why It Matters: Organization and structure keep change initiatives on track. Leaders who manage resources effectively, set clear milestones, and delegate appropriately can guide their teams through complex changes without overwhelming them.

How to Develop It: Familiarize yourself with project management tools, set clear goals, and establish regular checkpoints. Ensure that responsibilities are well-distributed and that timelines are realistic.

Key Insight: An organised leader transforms daunting change projects into manageable tasks, which can prevent staff burnout and confusion.

5. Adaptability and Flexibility

Why It Matters: Change is rarely predictable, and leaders who can pivot in response to new information or unforeseen challenges are better equipped to steer their schools through difficult transitions.

How to Develop It: Engage in scenario planning to prepare for different possibilities and develop a growth mindset by viewing challenges as learning opportunities. Practising stress management techniques also help leaders maintain a clear head under pressure.

Key Insight: Adaptable leaders turn obstacles into opportunities, building resilience and agility within their teams.

Book to Read: "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson offers a timeless lesson on the importance of flexibility and adaptability in times of change.

4. Influence and Persuasion

Why It Matters: Even the most brilliant strategy can fail if leaders can’t persuade others to support it. Building consensus, particularly in a school setting, is essential for creating momentum.

How to Develop It: Cultivate storytelling skills, connect change initiatives to shared values, and engage informal leaders within your school. People are often more willing to embrace change when they feel emotionally and intellectually aligned with the vision.

Key Insight: Leaders who master persuasion can shift resistance into support, empowering their teams to rally around the change.

Book to Read: "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini offers universal principles to move others in your direction.

3. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Why It Matters: Schools are relational environments, and change can be deeply unsettling. Leaders who show empathy can address stakeholders’ concerns and reduce resistance by building trust and rapport.

The OECD highlights that emotionally intelligent leaders foster higher staff morale, which translates into lower resistance to change and more supportive work culture​.

How to Develop It: Practice active listening, engage in regular check-ins with team members, and work on recognising non-verbal cues. Showing empathy in times of change demonstrates that leaders are attuned to the team’s well-being.

Key Insight: Emotionally intelligent leaders anticipate resistance and work through it constructively, transforming potential roadblocks into opportunities for growth.

Book to Read: "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" by Daniel Goleman explores the importance of EI in building strong, trusting relationships in leadership.

2. Communication Skills

Why It Matters: Communication is the bridge between vision and execution. Without clear, transparent communication, misunderstandings can quickly undermine change efforts, creating confusion and eroding trust.

How to Develop It: Hold regular town hall meetings, establish open feedback channels, and be as clear and transparent as possible, especially when addressing concerns. Good communication requires not only clarity but also consistency and openness.

Key Insight: Leaders who communicate well make change feel accessible and purposeful, ensuring that everyone feels included in the journey.

Book to Read: "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently" by John C. Maxwell explores how leaders can communicate in ways that foster connection and understanding.

1. Vision and Strategic Thinking

Why It Matters: Vision is the foundation of any change initiative. It serves as the anchor, giving everyone a sense of purpose and direction. Without a clear vision, even the most well-intentioned changes can feel disorganised and fail to gain traction.

The Wallace Foundation’s research shows that visionary leadership significantly impacts school improvement and student outcomes by aligning staff efforts and maintaining focus on long-term goals​.

How to Develop It: Take time to clarify what you want to achieve, why it matters, and how it aligns with your school’s values. Communicate this vision regularly to keep it at the forefront of everyone's mind and refine it as necessary.

Key Insight: A compelling vision provides a rallying point for all stakeholders, making it the most critical competency for leading change.

Books to Read: Andy Stanley's "The Visionary Leader" provides insights into developing and communicating a clear, compelling vision for transformational change.

Is Each Competence Equally Important?

Collectively, they’re all critical, but individually, some skills offer more significant benefits than others. The graphic below best displays this.

The graphic’s weighting of competencies suggests a clear guide for prioritising time and effort in mastering change management skills.

Since strategic thinking has the highest weight at 20%, focusing on developing a clear vision and setting long-term goals would yield the most significant impact. This competency is foundational; by honing strategic thinking, you set a direction that influences all other change aspects.

Each weighted at 15%, communication and emotional intelligence come next, indicating that you should invest substantial time in improving interpersonal skills and relationship-building. These competencies are crucial for fostering trust and maintaining morale, which are vital in any change initiative.

Meanwhile, competencies like adaptability, project management, decision-making, and influence are each at 10%, suggesting they are also essential but slightly more situational. Time spent here would be valuable when navigating unexpected challenges, managing tasks, making informed choices, and garnering support for change. Lastly, self-assessment and coaching, at 5% each, should still receive attention, as they enable you to reflect on your impact and develop others. However, they may not demand as much dedicated focus as the higher-weighted skills.

By focusing time and effort according to these weightings, you can strategically build your skill set to lead change more effectively, investing the most energy in competencies that drive the most considerable results.

Conclusion

Leading change is a journey that demands patience, self-awareness, and skill.

Mastering these nine competencies allows school leaders to guide their schools through meaningful, lasting transformations. Start by assessing your strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Remember, change leadership is a skill that grows over time, honed through practice, reflection, and a commitment to growth.

Embrace the journey, and don't hesitate to connect with others on similar paths. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into a leadership role, these competencies will help you lead and inspire. Change may be challenging, but you can transform your school and make a lasting impact with the right skills.