Why Culture Work Is Nervous System Work
If you’ve ever left a meeting feeling your heart race or your shoulders tense, you’ve experienced what I call nervous system leadership.
Here’s the truth: the culture of your school lives in your nervous system—and in the nervous systems of the people you lead.
What We Often Miss About Culture
We think culture shifts come from policies, strategic plans, and motivational speeches.
While those matter, they’re not enough.
Culture is created moment-by-moment—through body language, tone, pacing, and emotional regulation.
Why the Nervous System Matters
When leaders are regulated:
They respond instead of react.
They can hold space for difficult conversations without escalating tension.
Their calm becomes contagious, creating a ripple of safety for staff and students.
When leaders are dysregulated:
Decisions are rushed.
Trust erodes.
The culture quietly shifts toward fear and reactivity.
The First Shift You Can Make
Before you change a policy or plan your next professional development day, check in with yourself:
Is my body in “threat mode” or “safe mode”?
Am I reacting from urgency or responding from clarity?
Your nervous system is your leadership tool.
When it’s steady, your culture has the best chance to thrive.
Want to Learn How to Lead from a Regulated Place?
This is the foundation of our Culture Shift Intensive—90 days to align your nervous system, leadership style, and school culture.
👉 Start with the Leadership Style Quiz to see where you naturally shine and where stress may be taking a toll.
