One of the hardest conversations I’ve had as a leader was with a staff member who said, “This work isn’t for me. It feels like you’re just asking for more.”

Their words stung.

I felt like they were rejecting something deeply personal not just the work, but my vision for what our school could be.

It would’ve been easy to write them off as resistant and move on. But I chose to lean in. I asked, “What are your concerns? What’s making this feel overwhelming?”

What I heard wasn’t rejection.

It was fear.

Fear of change.

Fear of failure.

Fear of not knowing how to do the work.

Here are two things I’ve learned about addressing resistance:

1. Lead with empathy: Resistance is often a mask for fear or misunderstanding. Take the time to listen and understand what’s underneath.

2. Connect the dots: Show how belonging work benefits everyone not just students, but staff and the community as a whole.

The lesson? Resistance isn’t the end of the conversation it’s the beginning.

So, let me ask you:  How can you transform resistance in your school into an opportunity for growth?