A High-Performance Case Study

Education

Mike had always prided himself on his ability to stay organised. As a deputy principal newly stepping into a leadership role, he was prepared for the challenges ahead, but the reality of the position was more overwhelming than expected. Managing staff, dealing with student issues, and balancing administrative duties left him feeling like he was constantly playing catch-up. The endless stream of distractions and demands made it difficult for Mike to focus on what mattered most.

Every day felt like a race against the clock, with one fire after another to put out. By the end of the day, Mike had nothing left in the tank, and the weight of constant decision-making was starting to take a toll. His once-clear vision for his school had become murky, clouded by endless tasks and distractions. He knew he couldn’t keep going like this, but he wasn’t sure how to get back on track.

That’s when Mike decided to try high-performance coaching, hoping it would help him find the balance and clarity he desperately needed.

Clarity: Reconnecting to What Really Matters

Mike’s first breakthrough came when he started focusing on clarity. Before coaching, he had been running on autopilot, reacting to whatever problem landed on his desk. However, through his sessions, Mike was encouraged to step back and ask himself, “What do I really want to achieve? What’s my purpose here?”

At first, this was hard. Mike had spent so long in the trenches that he had forgotten what it felt like to have a clear direction. But something shifted as he started to unpack his core values and align his actions with those values. Suddenly, decisions that had felt overwhelming became simpler. Instead of getting bogged down by every distraction, Mike could prioritise the things that mattered—his students, his staff, and the future of his school.

“I didn’t realise how much I needed clarity,” Mike admitted one day. “It was like a light switched on, and I could finally see the path ahead again.”

Energy: Learning to Recharge

As someone who always puts others first, Mike never thinks much about his own energy. He was the leader—wasn’t it his job to be on 24/7? But coaching taught him something vital: You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Mike began making small changes, starting with something as simple as taking five-minute breaks during the day. It didn’t sound like much, but those breaks became his lifeline. He also started paying attention to his sleep and movement, realising how much physical energy impacted his mental clarity.

Before, by 2 p.m., Mike would feel completely wiped out. But now, he found he had the energy to power through the day and still be present for his family when he got home. “I used to think I just didn’t have enough time,” Mike reflected. “Turns out, I didn’t have enough energy. Once I started managing that, everything else got easier.”

Courage: Facing the Hard Conversations

Courage had never been Mike’s strong suit. Sure, he was good at handling crises, but when it came to having tough conversations—especially with his staff—he tended to avoid them. Whether it was addressing underperformance or introducing new initiatives, Mike worried about rocking the boat.

But his coach helped him see that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about doing what’s necessary despite the fear. Mike started leaning into those difficult moments, no longer avoiding them but approaching them with honesty and confidence.

“I always thought avoiding conflict was keeping the peace,” Mike said. “But really, it was just keeping things stagnant. Having the courage to address issues head-on has completely changed how I lead.”

Productivity: Getting the Right Things Done

For years, Mike had prided himself on being busy. His schedule was always packed, and his to-do list never seemed to end. But after working with his coach, he realised that being busy wasn’t the same as being productive.

Mike learned that true productivity meant aligning his actions with his purpose. It wasn’t about doing more; it was about doing what mattered most. He began delegating tasks that didn’t require his direct involvement and focused on the projects that would move the school forward.

“I used to get to the end of the day and feel like I’d been running in circles,” Mike shared. “Now, I feel like I’m actually making progress on the things that count.”

Influence: Empowering His Team

One of the most significant changes in Mike’s leadership style came when he stopped trying to be the person who solved everyone’s problems. Before coaching, Mike felt responsible for everything—if someone on his team had an issue, he was the first to jump in and fix it. But as he gained more clarity and confidence, he began to understand that his role wasn’t to do the work for his team but to empower them to find their own solutions.

“I used to feel like I had to have all the answers,” Mike said. “But now I see that my job is to ask the right questions, to guide my team toward their own growth. I’m not there to rescue them—I’m there to lead them.”

Mike started having more open conversations with his staff, giving them the space to reflect on their own challenges and encouraging them to take ownership of their work. It was a shift, but the results were undeniable. His team was more engaged, confident, and capable than ever.

The Transformation

Today, Mike is a completely different leader from the one who first started coaching. He’s not perfect—no one is—but he’s clearer, more energised, and more courageous than ever. He’s built a culture of trust and empowerment in his school, where both he and his team are thriving.

“I used to feel like I was drowning,” Mike admits. “But now, I feel like I’m leading with purpose again. It’s not just about getting through the day—it’s about making an impact.”

Mike’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about growing as a person, empowering others, and leading with intention. By embracing high-performance habits, Mike transformed not just his work but also his life.