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As Leaders, We Need to be Thermostats
If you’ve followed me here or on X (Twitter), you know I believe that leadership is about influence, not titles. True leadership shows up in our actions, our words, and our ability to inspire those around us. That’s why I love the concept of being a thermostat instead of a thermometer—especially for educators and leaders.
A thermometer reacts to the environment. It reflects the current temperature but doesn’t change it. A thermostat, on the other hand, sets the tone. It determines the temperature of a room and influences everything around it. As leaders, we need to be thermostats.
In Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead, she reminds us that leaders take responsibility for finding and developing the potential in others. Setting the tone isn’t just about maintaining control or authority—it’s about cultivating courage, trust, and connection.
As I shared in a previous post, Brene also writes that vulnerability is at the heart of courageous leadership. It’s the emotion we feel when stepping into uncertainty or risk, and it’s inseparable from courage. As thermostats, we influence how others respond to challenges by demonstrating our own vulnerability and courage.
In moments of tension or conflict, a thermometer might reflect the chaos, amplifying frustration or fear. But a thermostat remains steady, providing calm and clarity. Brene’s message is clear: leaders must create spaces where vulnerability is welcomed because it’s only through vulnerability that teams build trust and thrive.
Leadership is as much about presence as it is about action. When you’re a thermostat, people know what to expect from you. Your steadiness and intentionality can stabilize an otherwise unpredictable environment.
This reminds me of Jon Gordon’s The Energy Bus. In the book, Gordon emphasizes the importance of positive energy and consistency in leadership. Your attitude and behavior shape the culture around you. If you haven’t read The Energy Bus, it’s a must-add to your list. It’s packed with practical lessons that will help you become a thermostat who radiates positivity and purpose.
Thermostats don’t just set the temperature; they communicate it clearly. As leaders, we must prioritize clarity in every interaction. Brene reminds us in Dare to Lead that avoiding difficult conversations to “protect others’ feelings” often results in confusion and resentment.
Instead, we need to embrace clear, courageous communication. Share feedback with kindness, but don’t shy away from being direct. When we avoid clarity, we leave people guessing, which only creates stress and frustration.
Being a Thermostat in the Classroom
As educators, we’re called to set the tone in our classrooms every single day. A thermometer teacher might get swept up in the whirlwind of student emotions, reacting to every challenge or disruption. A thermostat teacher remains steady, modeling patience, empathy, and structure.
One of my favorite books for teachers, Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov, provides strategies to help teachers stay intentional and proactive. Lemov’s approach reminds us that we can create a classroom environment where learning and respect flourish—if we’re intentional about our own behavior first.
Who We Are is How We Lead
Brene writes that “who we are is how we lead,” and this couldn’t be truer for thermostats. If we want to set a tone of courage, positivity, and trust, we need to start with ourselves. That means showing up authentically, doing the internal work to grow, and modeling the behavior we want to see in others.
On a personal note, this concept has been life-changing for me. Over the years, I’ve carried my own “bag of rocks”—the doubts, fears, and shame that weigh us down. Through books like Dare to Lead and The Gifts of Imperfection (another gem by Brene Brown), I’ve learned to let go of perfectionism and embrace the vulnerability required to lead with authenticity.
A Call to Action
This week, I challenge you to reflect: Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? Are you shaping your environment or letting it shape you?
Start small. Set the tone in one interaction, one meeting, or one class. Notice how your energy influences others.
If you’re looking for inspiration, pick up Dare to Lead, The Energy Bus, or Teach Like a Champion. Each offers powerful insights to help you grow as a leader and make a lasting impact.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present, intentional, and courageous. So, let’s set the temperature for success—in our classrooms, schools, and communities.
Be the thermostat.
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