Leadership sets the tone for the entire school community, and Self-Reg leaders bring something unique to that role. They start by reframing stress and behavior—not just in students, but in teachers, staff, parents, and even the wider community. They see challenges through a Self-Reg lens, asking what stressors might be fueling the behavior and how to lighten the load across all five domains: biological, emotional, cognitive, social, and prosocial. By doing this, they create space for their teams to focus their energy on what matters most—supporting students and one another.
Self-Reg leaders also prioritize well-being and connection. They build team cohesion not through grand events, but through the everyday “micro moments” of working together, restoring balance, and finding ways to replenish energy. Just as importantly, they show their own humanity. They acknowledge mistakes, model vulnerability, and demonstrate what it means to recover and restore relationships. In doing so, they walk their talk, treating everyone—students, colleagues, staff, and parents—with respect and compassion. To see these qualities in action and explore the six signs of a Self-Reg leader, watch the 6×6 series video on leadership below. BUT, if you want to be a Self-Reg Leader? Consider taking our Self-Reg & Leadership in Schools Certificate Program – it’s not just for principals, but anyone leading any Self-Reg initiative and learning in your school or district.
