In this blog post I focus on 5 coaching questions to refresh your vision and leadership practice.

Spring is in the air! That magical time of year when teachers start counting down the days, the copier has mysteriously eaten its last packet of paper, and the staff lounge fridge finally gets a long-overdue cleaning (we hope). But beyond organizing supply closets and dodging pollen attacks, spring is also the perfect time for school leaders to do some professional spring cleaning of their own.

Leadership isn’t just about surviving the school year—it’s about growing through it. And as we near the end of the year, it’s the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and realign with the leader you aspire to be.

Here are five powerful coaching questions to help you refresh your vision, refocus your practice, and maybe even rediscover a little joy in the process.

1. What’s working really well—and why?

Let’s start with the good stuff. What parts of your leadership have made a positive impact this year? What systems, strategies, or moments stand out as highlights?

Reflecting on the wins helps you identify your strengths, celebrate your team, and set a foundation for future planning. And yes—celebrating that one meeting that ended early totally counts.

💡Coaching Tip: Ask a trusted colleague or team member what they see as your biggest leadership win this year. Their perspective might surprise you.

2. What have I been tolerating that no longer serves me or the team?

Ah yes—the leadership equivalent of that mysterious drawer of unclaimed whiteboard markers. What’s been lingering in your leadership life that’s outdated, ineffective, or just plain annoying?

Maybe it’s an overcomplicated system, a recurring miscommunication, or a meeting that’s lost its purpose. It’s time to declutter your leadership and make room for clarity. One of the terms leaders I coach love is when I teach them about “strategic abandonment”. 

💡Coaching Tip: What’s one thing you can stop doing today that would immediately reduce friction for you or your team?

3. How aligned am I with my core leadership values?

Have you been leading in a way that’s authentic to who you are—or just running on autopilot? Reconnecting with your core values can reignite your purpose and help you lead with greater intention.

Make a quick list of your top 3 leadership values. Then ask: Where have I embodied these values this year? Where have I drifted? Where do I want to recommit?

💡Coaching Tip: Consider journaling about a leadership moment that felt most aligned with your values. What made it so powerful?

4. What feedback have I received—and how have I used it?

Feedback is a gift (albeit sometimes wrapped in a bit of sandpaper). Take a moment to reflect on the feedback you’ve received this year—from teachers, students, families, or your supervisor.

• What patterns do you notice?

• How have you grown as a result?

• What feedback might you still need to process or act on?

💡Coaching Tip: If the thought of asking for more feedback makes you sweat, start small: a quick anonymous check-in form or a casual end-of-year reflection conversation.

5. What’s one bold move I want to make before the year ends?

You’ve still got time. Even in these final months, you can take a meaningful step toward your vision—whether it’s piloting a new idea, empowering your team in a new way, or simply showing up more fully as your authentic self.

Think of this as your leadership “fresh start” moment.

💡Coaching Tip: Set a short-term goal that aligns with your vision and values—and share it with someone who can help hold you accountable.

Final Thoughts

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets—it’s for clarity, courage, and connection. These five coaching questions can help you realign with your purpose, let go of the unnecessary, and move forward with intention.

So grab your metaphorical duster, clear out the leadership cobwebs, and make space for a renewed, refreshed version of you—just in time to finish the school year strong (and maybe sneak in one more spirit week).

You’ve got this!

Are you ready to invest in yourself as a leader? I’d love to empower you as your Leadership Coach!