Coffee With the Custodian: A New Principal, an Unexpected Teacher, and Lessons in Leadership

by Brad Johnson

176 pages

Published March 11, 2026

Reviews

[Kaylee Benson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt too forced for me to enjoy. I also thought it underplayed the real value of relationships between school leaders and employees, as most of the characters and situations in each chapter followed the same formula: principal has doubts about her abilities; a staff member provides a generic compliment; principal feels better.

This book would not have been a good fit for me as a professional development tool with a group.

[Justin Noseworthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good insights. Easy and quick read. This book is an accurate reflection of how leadership comes in many forms from many members of the school community.