I know enough to know that I’m never the smartest guy in the room. That said, I’ve been called to leadership with just about every organization I’ve participated in--from early school years to sports, to seminary life, to Catholic schools and to diocesan work. As a child of the 80s, it makes me think of a line from the Talking Heads song “Once in a Lifetime”: Well, how did I get here?
Growing up in a modest home in modest El Cajon, CA, my dad taught my siblings and me a valuable lesson, “If you can get along with people, you can do anything.” It’s funny how our parents get smarter the older we get! My dad was onto something. With every stop along life’s journey, I’ve learned that leadership begins with relationship.
In Catholic education, effective leadership goes beyond strategic planning and administrative oversight. It requires a relational approach that fosters trust, collaboration and a shared sense of mission. By cultivating strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, parents and the broader community, Catholic school leaders can create a thriving educational environment rooted in faith and excellence.
Relational leadership emphasizes the power of human connections in guiding and inspiring others. Unlike some traditional leadership models that focus primarily on authority and control, relational leadership centers on building authentic relationships to influence and support positive change. In Catholic schools, this approach aligns closely with the mission of educating the whole child—forming students spiritually, academically and socially while fostering a community centered on gospel values.
Key elements of relational leadership include:
Mission-driven leadership
Effective communication and transparency
Collaboration and shared leadership
Building trust and integrity
Servant leadership and pastoral care
Standards 5 and 6 of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS) provide a framework for effective Governance & Leadership in Catholic schools, and they underscore the importance of fostering a missiondriven, student-centered culture. Relational leadership directly supports these goals by creating an environment where all stakeholders feel valued, heard and motivated to contribute.
Here are some things to consider…
A relational leader ensures that all decisions align with the Catholic identity and mission of the school. This involves engaging faculty, staff and families in meaningful conversations about the school’s values and how they translate into daily operations.
Application strategies:
Organize mission-centered discussions with stakeholders.
Model behaviors that reflect our Catholic faith and values.
Encourage faculty and staff to integrate the school’s mission into their teaching and interactions with students.
Clear and open communication is a cornerstone of relational leadership. School leaders must foster a culture of trust by maintaining transparency in decision-making and keeping all members of the community informed.
Hold regular meetings with teachers, parents, and students to discuss school developments.
Utilize multiple communication platforms, including newsletters, social media, and stakeholder meetings.
Practice active listening by inviting feedback and responding thoughtfully.
Relational leaders recognize the strengths of their team members and encourage collaborative decision-making. Shared leadership fosters a sense of ownership and investment among faculty and staff, ultimately enhancing school culture.
Create leadership opportunities for teachers and staff within committees and school-wide initiatives.
Facilitate professional learning communities where teachers can share ideas and best practices in support of student growth.
Empower students by incorporating their voices into school improvement efforts.
Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Catholic school leaders must act with integrity, ensuring that their actions consistently reflect gospel values and ethical principles.
Lead with honesty and accountability, admitting mistakes and working toward solutions.
Foster a culture of respect by valuing diverse perspectives.
Uphold ethical decision-making processes, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff.
At its core, relational leadership in Catholic schools reflects the person of Jesus Christ, who led through prayer, service, self-sacrifice and a relentless adherence to the will of God. Servant leadership emphasizes humility, compassion and a commitment to supporting the needs of others.
Be present and available to students, faculty and families, offering spiritual and emotional support.
Promote a culture of service by engaging the school community in outreach and social justice initiatives.
Encourage faculty to view their roles as vocations, not just a job, inspiring them to serve students with love and dedication in imitation of Christ.
To cultivate relational leadership, Catholic school leaders can integrate the following checklist of best practices:
Prioritize Relationship-Building: Dedicate time to connect personally with faculty, staff, students and families.
Develop Emotional Intelligence: Strengthen skills such as empathy, self-awareness and conflict resolution.
Encourage Reflective Practices: Create spaces for leaders and educators to reflect on their relationships and leadership effectiveness.
Invest in Professional Development: Provide training focused on relational leadership, communication and team-building skills.
Celebrate Community Successes: Recognize and appreciate the contributions of faculty, staff, students and families in meaningful ways.
Dad was right. If you can get along with people, by the grace of God, you can do anything. With the ubiquitous use of AI and technology in education, let us also never lose sight of the human dimension of both education and formation for students and staff alike. Relational leadership is essential for fostering a vibrant, mission-driven Catholic school where a culture of trust, collaboration and servant leadership can be created. Through authentic relationships, leaders can inspire faculty, staff and students to live out the gospel message, ensuring that Catholic education continues to thrive in faith and excellence.
John Galvanis the vice president of leadership engagement for NCEA.
john@ncea.org