Learning to Hire for Growth: A Leadership Lesson

In the early days of my leadership career, I was given a chance to make a big decision—hire an assistant principal. I knew this was a critical role, one that would influence our school’s success and culture. After screening numerous applicants, one candidate stood out. She was dynamic, highly skilled, and had a genuine passion for education. On paper, she was everything a school leader could hope for in a team member.

But there was one problem: her expertise and drive intimidated me. It wasn’t something I admitted to myself at the time, but it was there, lingering under the surface. Instead of seeing her as an asset, I hesitated. I worried that her knowledge and ambition would overshadow me as a leader, and instead of embracing the opportunity to learn from her strengths, I chose not to take the risk. I allowed my insecurities to cloud my judgment.

Reflecting on that decision now, I realize what a missed opportunity it was. This candidate could have brought a wealth of experience and fresh ideas that our school needed. More importantly, she could have challenged me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. By not hiring her, I lost a chance to elevate our school and to develop myself as a leader. In essence, I chose comfort over growth.

It took some time, but I eventually understood the lesson behind this experience: Never let fear or ego prevent you from surrounding yourself with people who are more skilled or knowledgeable than you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring people who make us feel comfortable—those who won’t push back or bring new perspectives to the table. But true leadership means welcoming those who challenge our thinking, those who have strengths that complement our weaknesses.

The best leaders don’t have all the answers, and they certainly don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, they recognize the value of building a team with diverse talents and perspectives. They understand that hiring people who are smarter, more experienced, or more driven doesn’t diminish their leadership—it enhances it. Surrounding yourself with exceptional people helps create a school culture where everyone is encouraged to grow and succeed.

Looking back, I’m grateful for that experience. It taught me to let go of my ego and embrace the discomfort that comes with surrounding myself with strong, capable people. I now seek out those who inspire me to be better, even if they make me question what I know. It’s made me a more open, reflective leader and, ultimately, has led to better outcomes for our students and staff.

So, to anyone in a hiring position or making a similar decision, I say this: Don’t shy away from people who challenge you. Lean into it. Your greatest growth as a leader comes from the people who push you to see beyond your own limitations and help you build a stronger, more effective team. 🌱💡

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