(by Angela M. Rios Zuluaga, Smith Elementary – Title I Kindergarten Teacher)
Leading change in a school environment requires more than innovative ideas; it requires the emotional balance to stay grounded when others resist or doubt the process. As a kindergarten teacher in a Title I school, I have learned that meaningful transformation begins not only with tools and strategies but with the ability to remain calm, clear, and connected to my purpose even when challenges arise. This is the essence of being a self-differentiated leader.
A self-differentiated leader can stand firm in their values while still remaining open to the perspectives and emotions of others. In my daily classroom life, this means holding space for colleagues who may feel overwhelmed by technology or new routines, while also maintaining my belief that digital learning can empower young learners. My goal is to lead with empathy, curiosity, and conviction without becoming reactive or defensive when opinions differ.
One of the most powerful frameworks that has supported this process is the concept of Crucial Conversations (Patterson et al., 2012). These are moments when emotions are high, opinions vary, and the outcome matters deeply. As educators, we face such moments constantly during grade-level meetings, technology planning, or even informal hallway discussions about classroom practices. I have learned that how I show up in those moments defines the culture I help create.
When I began implementing Tech Time: My Time in Kindergarten, not everyone immediately understood how QR codes, iPads, and digital routines could help children build independence. Some colleagues worried that technology might distract students rather than empower them. Others felt unsure about how to support such blended learning approaches in early childhood. Instead of convincing others through data alone, I began applying the Crucial Conversations strategies:
- Start with Heart: I reminded myself that my goal was not to “win” but to build trust and understanding. I focused on the shared purpose helping our students become confident, curious learners.
- Make it Safe: I acknowledged their concerns and validated their experiences. By creating a non-judgmental space for dialogue, I noticed that resistance turned into curiosity.
- Explore Others’ Paths: I listened to what my peers needed more modeling, examples, and small steps to try new routines. That helped me adjust my approach and offer support through visuals, short demos, and shared resources.
These conversations became turning points. They helped me see leadership not as giving directions, but as facilitating reflection. I learned that change grows through relationships built on safety and mutual respect.
Being a self-differentiated leader also means embracing vulnerability. There are days when the internet connection fails, when a QR code doesn’t scan, or when students forget a routine. In those moments, I model calm problem-solving for my students and for myself. Each small success or challenge becomes part of the story I share with colleagues: that innovation is not about perfection it’s about persistence and shared learning.
Through this lens, leadership becomes deeply human. It’s the courage to speak the truth with kindness, to pause before reacting, and to guide others not by authority but by example. I believe that when teachers lead with emotional intelligence, they create ripples that reach far beyond their own classrooms. Our young learners watch how we communicate and collaborate; they internalize those lessons in their own ways of resolving conflict and expressing ideas.
As I continue this journey, I see Crucial Conversations not as isolated events but as a continuous practice of reflection and connection. They remind me to ask myself: Am I leading from fear or from purpose? Am I listening to understand or to respond? Each time I choose purpose and empathy, I become a little more grounded as a leader.
My hope is that this reflection encourages other educators especially those working in Title I schools like mine to see that leadership begins in the small, consistent choices we make every day. By staying true to our “why,” maintaining open dialogue, and creating safe spaces for honest communication, we can guide change with grace and authenticity.
In the end, being a self-differentiated leader is not about standing apart it’s about standing steady, heart first, so others feel safe enough to walk beside us.
Reference
Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2012). Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
This reflection is part of my organizational change journey presented in my 5304 compilation:
Continue exploring my organizational change journey →
Part B – Building Change Through Self-Differentiated Leadership
Building Change Through Self-Differentiated Leadership
Below is my organizational change compilation (Part B), which brings together my Why, Influencer, 4DX, and Leadership frameworks as part of my journey toward self-differentiated leadership.
A continuación se muestra mi compilación de cambio organizacional (Parte B), donde se integran los marcos My Why, Influencer, 4DX y Leadership como parte de mi camino hacia un liderazgo autodiferenciado.
Leadership, at its core, is a journey of presence, patience, and purpose. This project has shown me that change does not begin with technology it begins with people. Every conversation, every shared idea, and every small act of courage has the power to move a vision forward.
Through Tech Time: My Time in Kindergarten, I learned that innovation in a Title I classroom is not about adding tools; it is about creating systems that empower students to explore, make choices, and grow confidently. As a self-differentiated leader, I now understand that influence comes not from control, but from connection.
My hope is that this reflection and compilation inspire other educators to lead change with empathy, consistency, and creativity.
“When we choose to lead with heart, even the smallest steps can create extraordinary ripples.” 💫