Curiosity Over Judgment: Dr. Keba Rogers on Empathetic Leadership

What if the most powerful leadership tool you possess is simply asking "tell me more"? In this compelling conversation, psychologist and educator Dr. Keba Rogers reveals why curiosity remains one of the most underutilized yet transformative skills in school leadership—and how our defensiveness prevents us from accessing it.

As part three of the Grace, Growth, and Greatness framework series, Dr. Rogers and host Bridget Johnson explore the hidden costs of pretending to know everything, the ego protection that drives us toward judgment instead of questions, and practical strategies for shifting from reactive defensiveness to responsive curiosity. Through real examples and actionable techniques, Dr. Rogers demonstrates how asking the right questions can strengthen collaboration, deepen empathy, and transform challenging interactions into opportunities for connection and growth.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why busyness and the pressure to appear perfect cause leaders to forget the powerful tools they already possess, including curiosity

• The two primary reasons school leaders default to judgment—and how ego protection sabotages authentic leadership and team collaboration

• Five essential questions that help leaders bridge the gap from judgment to curiosity while strengthening connections with staff and students

• How to interpret behavior as communication and recognize what staff absences, student actions, and workplace dynamics are really telling you

• Practical techniques for creating space to pause and respond rather than react, even in high-pressure educational environments where time feels scarce

Featured Guest: Dr. Keba Rogers is a psychologist, educator, and CEO and founder of Keba Speaks LLC, Third Avenue Psychological Services PLLC, and Rooted, Resilient, Rising LLC. With over two decades of experience helping children, families, and educators strengthen their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, Dr. Rogers specializes in sustainable leadership practices through her Grace, Growth, and Greatness framework. Her expertise in educational psychology and restorative practices makes her a trusted guide for schools building more compassionate, effective communities.

Visit the Deans' Roundtable: https://deansroundtable.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-johnson510/ Email: [email protected] Student Life Assessment Program: https://deansroundtable.org/k-12-student-life-assessment-program-independent-school-evaluation/

Connect with Dr. Keba Rogers: LinkedIn: Dr. Keba M. Rogers Instagram: @dr.kebaspeaks, @gracegrowthgreatness, @rootedresilientrizing

Rooted, Resilient, and Rising: 2nd Annual Belonging, Affirmation, and Motivation Conference December 3-5 (Virtual) - Early Bird Pricing Available on Eventbrite For Individual therapy and School Neuropsychological Assessments - Third Avenue Psychological Services, PLLC, www.doctorkebag3.com

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