The Listening Leader: Creating the Conditions for Equitable School Transformation

by Shane Safir, Michael Fullan (Foreword)

LISTENING . . . THE KEY TO BECOMING A TRANSFORMATIVE SCHOOL LEADER The Listening Leader  is a practical guide that will inspire school, district, and teacher leaders to make substantive change and increase equitable student outcomes. Rooted in the values of equity, relationships, and listening, this luminous book helps reimagine what is possible in education today. Drawing from more than twenty years of experience in public schools, Shane Safir incorporates hands-on strategies and powerful stories to show us how to leverage one of the most vital tools of leadership:  listening . As a Listening Leader you'll feel more confident in these core competencies: The Listening Leader  offers a much-needed leadership model to transform every facet of school life, and most importantly, to shape our schools into equitable places of learning. As Michael Fullan writes in the Foreword, "Read it, act on it, and reap the benefits for all." "This book is a 'must have' for any leader trying to move the needle on equity. Drawing from her lived experience as a principal and leadership coach, Safir offers stories that give insight and practical strategies that get results. It's one you'll keep coming back to."
―Zaretta Hammond,  author of  Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain "  The Listening Leader  immediately changed the way I interact with students, teachers, families and community members."
―Tamara Friedman,  assistant principal, Berkeley High School "Shane Safir has written a brilliant book. As engaging as it is informative and as revelatory as it is relevant. It is a must-read for school leaders and those who aspire to lead." 
―Chris Emdin,  associate professor of science education, Teachers College, Columbia University; author of  For White Folks Who Teach In the Hood and the Rest of Ya'll too

Genres: Leadership, Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development

368 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2017

Reviews

[Callum Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for many purposes. Probably it's most useful utility is it's scope to improve leadership and/or interpersonal interactions. It was of great use in conjunction with a postgraduate course i was doing as part of a MEd.

Additionally, the book will also improve social communication and empathetic skills that can be used much more widely than just professionally.

Safir is generous in the resources that come with this book and that are available on her website.

4 stars and highly recommended.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a leader, chances are that you’ll be asked to take a leadership role at some point, either at work or in some other area of your life. When that happens, you’ll want to have this book on your shelf (or, even better, to have already read it). Author and facilitator Shane Safir uses a school setting to demonstrate the process of becoming a listening leader; that is, someone who knows how to connect with others and generate positive change through genuine care and attention. Listening leaders gather feedback from stakeholders to create environments where everyone thrives. Whether you work in education or another field, you’ll find plenty of useful information about communication, collaboration, and leading by example in this thoughtfully written book.

[Valerie Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the PD Book and this book popped up as my next recommended read. I can see the similarities because both focused on K-12 education for teachers. I appreciate the author identifying the intended audience. I felt like this book was applicable to my role as a college administrator. So many of the concepts could be related to development, leadership, and coaching in any industry.
I finished this on the day that Trump announced. He will follow through with the educational agenda from project 2025. It makes me wonder where all of the effort put into this book will land once that shake up is executed.

[aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good messages and practical tips, my book is full of markers. I am in college/graduate level teaching/team building, the book is mostly written for K12 leadership, but I still found much of the book to be relevant. Difficult to put it into action, though. I need to keep this book near by and revisit it over and over.

The paperback is in a workbook like format that is really useful for writing notes and adding markers and going back and forth. definitely should get it in the physical form.

[Sarah Eibot Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. This book was a recommendation to me as I am working hard to become a leader and manage my own team. Great perspective and took great notes on what a leader truly is.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a game changer in so many ways. Whether you’re an educator or not, it has equity building strategies that can be used across life. Even though I have finished the book, I can already tell that it will be in my life canon.

[Rod Naquin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really found this useful. Insights into discourse at school and district level, and practical site level and otherwise leadership advice. I like the end w specific guidance for collaborative meeting facilitation

[Carrie Froese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book for school leaders. An inspirational book that provides practical steps for establishing a way of being to allow for implementation of change in a thoughtful way..

[Wilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really has me thinking about how to lead. The power of listening and creating culture together is very powerful. Highly recommend.

[Shanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully well written book. I will definitely read this book a few more times.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane Safir is astonishing. In every delightful way. I will be coming back to this book again and again as a coach, educator, leader.

[Jessica Lyric · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential Read about educational leadership and how to support teaching staff.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen here!

This book confirmed the power of the introverted leader. It provided great strategies for teachers, administrators and district leaders 👏🏾