In today’s schools, the wellbeing of students, staff, and families is more crucial than ever. Yet, knowing where to start and how to make a real difference can feel overwhelming for school leaders. The most effective change often begins with a simple but powerful act: listening.

When we talk about values, we usually frame them as the positive compass points that guide our decisions and shape our lives. They give us direction, help us choose priorities, and act as a foundation for the culture we build in our schools and communities. But like most strengths, values have another side. When taken to extremes, even our most cherished values can begin to work against us.