CHAPTER 3 - PROTOCOL 2

Leadership Belief Map

TIME60-75 minutes

OWNERPrincipal or leadership team

ARTIFACTOne-page leadership belief map

SUCCESS CRITERIA

The map states a clear belief in each leadership domain.
Each belief connects to an observable leadership behavior.
The map names tensions or tradeoffs rather than hiding them.
The leader identifies where current systems reinforce or contradict the map.

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS

State the beliefs

Draft concise positions on instruction, equity, discipline, learning, and leadership.

Translate belief into behavior

For each belief, identify what staff and students should observe in your actions and language.

Test the map

Use recent decisions, policies, calendar choices, and resource allocations to check credibility.

Use and revise

Select one upcoming decision where the map will be used and schedule a review after the decision.

WORKING ORGANIZER

Run the protocol.

Your responses save on this device. Use Print / Save PDF when you are ready to keep or share the artifact.

01State the beliefsDraft concise positions on instruction, equity, discipline, learning, and leadership.What do you believe strongly enough to guide a consequential decision?02Translate belief into behaviorFor each belief, identify what staff and students should observe in your actions and language.If this belief is real, what should people experience from you?03Test the mapUse recent decisions, policies, calendar choices, and resource allocations to check credibility.Where does current evidence support—or contradict—this belief?04Use and reviseSelect one upcoming decision where the map will be used and schedule a review after the decision.Where will this map guide action next, and what might require revision?

Evidence to bring backReturn date

Your protocol can be complete here. Save or share the artifact and use it for the need in front of you.

REFLECTION PROMPTS

Which belief is easiest to state but hardest to enact?
Where do two legitimate beliefs create tension?
Would staff recognize these beliefs from my decisions?

EQUITY GUARDRAILS

Belief statements must not erase the voices of students, families, or staff.
Avoid universal claims that ignore context and unequal experience.
Treat the map as a decision tool, not a loyalty test.