The Quiet Power of Middle Leaders

Middle leaders in schools have a quiet kind of power.

Knowing how to tap into it is the real challenge.

Too often, middle leaders feel like they need permission before they act—like good ideas have to be approved before they can even begin.

But real change in schools doesn’t always start with permission.
It starts with people.

A Different Way to Lead Change

Sarah Begashaw, a mother of three and an instructional coach at the International Community School Addis Ababa, cared deeply about the use of technology in schools.

After reading Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, she felt something needed to shift.

She could have gone straight to her principal and asked for a big decision, like banning phones.
But instead, she took a different approach.

She started small.

Step 1: Start with the Willing Few

Sarah began a book club.

Not a mandate. Not a policy. Just an invitation.

A small group of educators, leaders, and even parents came together weekly to explore the ideas in the book. They discussed, questioned, and reflected -using the book as a shared starting point.

She didn’t tell people what to think or do.
She created a space for thinking.

Step 2: Build Momentum

As the weeks went on, something shifted.

More people became interested.
Conversations deepened.
Energy grew.

This is where real change begins - not with everyone, but with those who are open and curious first.

Step 3: Expand the Circle

Only once there was genuine interest and shared understanding did Sarah invite her principal into the conversation.

Not to approve.
Not to take over.

But to be part of it.

What She Created

What started as a small group became something much more powerful:

A community of people - educators, leaders, and parents - coming together to think, learn, and take responsibility for change.

Not top-down.
But inside-out.

Why This Matters

The role of a middle leader isn’t just to implement decisions.

It’s to influence, connect, and create movement.

Real innovation rarely starts with the majority.
It starts with a few people willing to think differently - and grows from there.

A Question to Consider

Where might you be waiting for permission…
when you could start with an invitation?

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.