What Are You REALLY Modeling?

If you have ever watched Monsters Inc., you remember Roz. That slow blinking, gravel-voiced character with the clipboard who always seems to appear out of nowhere. She sees everything. She knows everything. She misses nothing. Well, leaders, I hate to break it to you, but your school is full of Roz moments. Eyes are everywhere. Students, staff, parents, and even the community notice how you respond, how you walk into a room, how you speak to people, and how you handle pressure.

Every leader has an audience, even when you do not ask for one. The question is simple. What are you showing them? What are you modeling on purpose and by accident? You shape the tone of your building with every small action. Your influence is far-reaching, and it's up to you to use it to shape a positive school culture.

Your energy is contagious. If you walk the halls with a sense of purpose, your staff begins to walk with that same energy. If you arrive frustrated every morning, your team absorbs it. Leaders radiate signals. Those signals determine the climate long before any program or initiative does. Your influence is powerful, and it's up to you to use it to create a positive climate.

Culture Is Caught, Not Taught

One of my favorite sayings is, “Culture is caught, not taught.” You cannot hand out a memo and say, “Here is our new positive culture. Please follow all instructions.” It simply doesn’t work like that. People learn culture by watching it. They mirror what they see from those who lead them.

Think about your staff meetings. Are you modeling curiosity, collaboration, and humility? Or are you modeling stress, urgency, and rushing around? Think about how you handle mistakes. Are you modeling calm redirection or is there steam coming out of your ears in explosive frustration? (More on Stand Tall Staff Meetings below.)

Students and staff pick up culture the same way they pick up a cold. It spreads through contact, not instruction. If you create an environment where people feel valued, they begin to value others. If you build habits of recognition, people start to recognize each other. If your school celebrates wins, wins begin to multiply.

You set the tone, and the tone becomes the school. Your actions set the tone for your school's culture. It's crucial to model the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in your school.

Immediate Steps to Improve the Climate and Culture of Your School

Now, let’s get practical. I never leave you without actionable steps. Here are simple moves you can start right away to shift your climate in a positive direction.

Greet people like you mean it.
Say hello in the hallway. Smile. Use names. Simple human connection transforms energy.

Be visible at unexpected moments.
Do a quick walkthrough. Stand near the cafeteria doors. Pop into classrooms just to say, “Keep going.” When the staff sees you engaged, they engage more.

Celebrate the small wins.
Shout out a teacher who tried something new. Recognize a student for a quiet act of kindness. Big culture often grows from tiny recognitions.

Model calm when chaos rises.
Your reaction becomes the building’s reaction. When you stay steady, everyone steadies.

Reflect daily.
Ask yourself, “What did I model today? Would I want someone to copy that?” If the answer is no, then tomorrow gives you a fresh start.

Leadership is not about perfection. It is about awareness. Someone is always watching, listening, and learning from your behavior. When you stand tall and lead with clarity and confidence, your school follows. So take a breath, lift your shoulders, and carry the culture you want others to catch.

Keep standing tall.

Global Gurus Voting is LIVE!

The voting is open for the Global Gurus Top 30 Education Leadership Award, and I would be honored to have your support. If my work has inspired you or encouraged you to Stand Tall in your school or organization, please take a moment and cast your vote. Thank you for believing in the mission to build stronger schools, stronger leaders, and stronger communities.

Vote here: https://globalgurus.org/vote/education/

Voting closes: December 30, 2025

Just Do This… Boost Camp

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter

December 2 - 4, 2025

In conjunction with AccuTrain's December 2025 Innovative Schools Summit

I am excited to share that the Just Do This Boot Camp is coming to San Antonio this December. This three-day experience is designed for schools, teams, classroom teachers, educators, and administrators who want to strengthen their culture and climate. During this Boot Camp, I will guide you through practical strategies and powerful ideas that you can implement immediately to elevate your school culture to the next level. If you are concerned about the direction of your culture and climate and understand the critical importance of achieving the outcomes you want, then this is the opportunity you need. Together, we will focus on what works, build momentum, and create a school environment that inspires success for both staff and students. Save your spot! https://www.standtallsteve.com/just-do-this-boostcamp 

Consider Hosting a Stand Tall Staff Meeting

Stand Tall Staff Meetings are a fresh way to bring excitement, purpose, and practical strategies into your meetings without adding another burden to your schedule.

What is a Stand Tall Staff Meeting?

A Stand Tall Staff Meeting brings me, Stand Tall Steve, directly into your staff meeting virtually! Whether you need 30 minutes, 45, or 60 minutes, I will deliver high-energy inspiration, motivation, and practical guidance. Instead of the usual information dump, your staff will feel recharged, connected, and ready to take on their challenges with renewed focus.

When Should You Host a Stand Tall Staff Meeting?

• Before Winter or Spring Break – When staff feel exhausted and need an energy boost.
• Before or After State Testing – To provide focus, motivation, and encouragement.
• End of the School Year – To reflect, recharge, and prepare for a strong start next year.
• Anytime Morale Feels Low – A Stand Tall Staff Meeting reignites purpose and passion in educators.

 It is simple, just visit StandTallSteve.com or email me directly at [email protected] to set up your session. Let’s make staff meetings something your team looks forward to!

Within Our Ranks Retreat

Orlando, Florida

Disney Springs

February 2026

Gang, here is the truth: most people don't know where to begin or how to grow as a professional, trainer, or consultant. That is why Within Our Ranks exists. We guide educators to become respected speakers, trainers, and consultants. We take your expertise, your voice, and your story, and we give you the tools to share them with impact.

These retreats give you immersive support, hands-on practice, and access to a powerful community of educator-speakers who support one another. If you are curious about becoming a speaker, let’s talk. Visit WithinOurRanks.com to learn more about the program and register for one of our community events (the next meeting is on November 20th). Schedule a discovery call with Meg to discuss your goals and how the program can help you achieve them.