Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

What sets strong instructional leaders apart from those just managing the day-to-day? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, you’ll learn five key traits that help principals lead learning, not just logistics.

You’ll discover:

• Why great leaders see themselves as lifelong learners and model that for their staff
• How to protect time for instructional leadership—even when the day gets chaotic
• Ways to use evaluations, PD, and data as tools for genuine teacher growth
• How to clearly communicate beliefs about teaching and learning so your vision sticks

If you’ve ever felt pulled away from instructional priorities by constant fires, this episode will help you refocus on what matters most—growing teachers, improving learning, and leading with purpose.

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Check out my free planner, The 8 to 4 Principal Planner.

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

Have you ever walked into a PLC and instantly felt the tension in the air? In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb unpacks why some teacher teams just can’t seem to get along—and what you can do about it as a leader.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify hidden patterns and root causes behind team conflict (it’s not always personalities).
• Mindset and empathy shifts that help you approach tough teams with calm and authority.
• Simple structures and coaching strategies to transform chaos into collaboration.

Tune in to gain clarity, confidence, and a practical plan for your most challenging team dynamics.

Do you want more support with working with teacher teams? Check out my Teacher Team Dynamics Toolkit or my Free Quick Guide to Navigating Challenging Teacher Dynamics 

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

As principals, it can feel impossible to step away from the building—whether you’re sick, at PD, or attending district meetings. The guilt, the worry that everything will fall apart, and the pressure to be present 24/7 can take a toll. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb Flowers unpacks why leaving the building matters for both your staff and your own well-being. 

You’ll learn:

• How to model healthy boundaries for teachers when you need to be out.
• The importance of having a clear coverage plan with district admin.
• Key systems that keep discipline, arrival/dismissal, and daily operations running without you.
• Ways to build teacher and staff leadership capacity so the school doesn’t rely solely on you.
• How to normalize being a human leader who gets sick, has kids, and keeps learning through PD.

Your leadership is measured not by how much your school needs you in the moment, but by how well it functions when you’re not there. Tune in for practical tips and mindset shifts to help you leave the building—without guilt—knowing your systems and people can handle it.

FREE DOWNLOADS*
The Principal's Email Detox
Decisive Leadership- Free Workshop
Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School
Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

Few moments feel as draining as picking up the phone after a discipline referral—only to face an upset, defensive parent on the other end. The pushback can trigger doubt, defensiveness, and second-guessing. But here’s the truth: conflict with parents doesn’t have to derail you. It can actually become a chance to strengthen trust and connection.

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb Flowers shares how to stay calm and lead with confidence when emotions run high. You’ll discover:

• Why pushback is normal—and doesn’t mean you handled discipline incorrectly.
• How to set the tone by bringing the calm instead of matching a parent’s energy.
• Practical ways to balance empathy with authority.
• De-escalation techniques that shift conversations from hostility to problem-solving.
• How tough conversations can actually build lasting parent relationships.

If parent conflicts leave you feeling rattled or reactive, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to stay grounded, lead with calm authority, and turn challenges into opportunities for connection.

FREE DOWNLOADS*
The Principal's Email Detox
Decisive Leadership- Free Workshop
Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School
Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

Teacher evaluations are one of the few times principals get to step fully into the role of instructional leader—but too often they become rushed, compliance-driven, or even discouraging for staff. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb Flowers unpacks how to make evaluations a meaningful, growth-oriented process instead of just another checkbox.

You’ll learn:

• Why anchoring your feedback to the rubric builds clarity and fairness
• How to connect evaluations directly to school-wide goals so they don’t feel like “one more thing”
• Practical ways to highlight strengths with evidence-based feedback
• How to be honest about growth areas without discouraging teachers

Barb also shares her simple structure for balancing clarity, encouragement, and accountability—so evaluations truly help teachers grow while staying manageable for principals.

If you’ve ever struggled to find that balance between supportive feedback and honest evaluation, this episode will give you a framework you can use right away.

FREE DOWNLOADS*
The Principal's Email Detox
Decisive Leadership- Free Workshop
Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School
Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

Discipline is one of the most draining parts of a principal’s job—not just because of student behavior, but also the ripple effects with staff, parents, and even your own energy. Without the right systems and boundaries, discipline can feel like it takes over your entire life.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical ways to lead discipline with confidence without burning out in the process.

You’ll learn:

• Why strong structures and routines in your building prevent chaos before it starts.
• How to reframe parent defensiveness and use discipline conversations to build relationships.
• The four parent archetypes (and what they all have in common).
• Boundaries that protect your time and sanity so discipline doesn’t follow you home.

Finally, I’ll leave you with a simple challenge: create one new boundary around discipline this week. Because when you protect yourself first, discipline feels lighter and leadership becomes more sustainable.

FREE DOWNLOADS*
The Principal's Email Detox
Decisive Leadership- Free Workshop
Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School
Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

Do you ever think, “If they really knew me, they’d realize I’m not ready for this”? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook, Barb dives into the reality of imposter syndrome—the self-doubt that makes you question your skills, experience, and belonging.

Drawing from her own journey as a young administrator and seasoned principal, Barb normalizes these feelings and shares practical strategies to quiet your inner critic. You’ll learn:

• What imposter syndrome looks like for principals at every stage of leadership.
• Three tools to silence self-doubt: naming your inner critic, reframing with the TEA cycle, and building evidence of your wins.
• How to strengthen your confidence so you can lead with clarity and calm.

By the end, you’ll walk away with mindset shifts and daily practices to push past self-doubt and step fully into your role as a leader.

Listen to episode 3: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

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Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

As principals, most of us entered education because we care deeply about kids—we’re naturally empathetic. But leadership also requires authority: the ability to set direction, uphold standards, and make tough calls. The challenge? Finding the balance between the two.

In this episode, Barb Flowers unpacks the tension between empathy and authority and why both are essential for effective leadership. You’ll learn:

• How empathy builds trust and connection, while authority creates safety and consistency
• The dangers of leaning too far in either direction (people-pleasing vs. rigidity)
• Three practical tips to balance empathy with authority in daily leadership conversations

FREE DOWNLOADS*
The Principal's Email Detox
Decisive Leadership- Free Workshop
Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School
Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

Struggling to feel confident in your leadership role? This episode with AP and doctoral researcher Stan Koterba explores how self-efficacy—your belief in your ability to lead—directly connects to how you manage your time, set boundaries, and build sustainable routines. We’ll talk imposter syndrome, email habits, delegation, and the mindset shifts that help principals stop overworking and start leading with clarity.

Have questions for Stan? Contact Stan at [email protected]

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Get The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint

Get 20% of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint HERE.

What if your identity as a principal isn’t fixed—but a choice you get to make every day? In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful concept of identity and how it shapes your leadership. Barb unpacks the 1.0 vs. 2.0 self exercise—one of her favorite coaching tools—to help you reflect on who you’ve been and intentionally step into who you want to become.

You’ll walk away with a practical strategy you can use for yourself and your teachers to foster growth, boost confidence, and shift out of burnout-inducing patterns.

Inside this episode:

• Why identity is more than a personality trait—it's a story you're telling yourself
• Common leadership identities that lead to burnout
• How to use the 1.0 vs. 2.0 tool to shift your mindset and habits
• Ways to model and share this strategy with your staff
• The key to building a culture of growth, reflection, and empowerment

This episode will inspire you to take control of your narrative and lead with intention. Your 2.0 self is waiting—tune in now!

This activity is part of The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint, which you can get HERE!

FREE DOWNLOADS*
The Principal's Email Detox
Decisive Leadership- Free Workshop
Principal Checklist to Disconnect From School
Behavior Blueprint for Principals

The Principal’s Power Hour Blueprint

*RESOURCES FOR PRINCIPALS*
Transform Your Time: 60 Day Action Plan for Principals
Leadership by Design: The Principal's Custom Habit System
The Principal's Overwhelm Toolkit

*SOCIAL MEDIA*
Barb Flowers, Ph.D- Linkedin
DrBarbFlowers- Instagram
the8to4principal- TikTok