Aligned Leadership

by Derrick Kunsman

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on the learning process – not just for my kids, but for myself, my team, and honestly, anyone brave enough to try something new.

I’m not writing this from a mountaintop of wisdom. I’m not here to dish out leadership advice like I’ve figured it all out. I’m just a dad, a principal, and a guy trying to do a little better each day. And lately, I keep thinking about how life keeps bringing us back to the basics.

Like, learning to walk.

You remember those early milestones, right? Wobbly first steps. Endless potty training standoffs. The great bike-without-training-wheels adventure (which usually ends with Band-Aids and tears).

Those moments were messy, drawn-out, and beautifully ordinary. And yet, we treated them like sacred rites of passage. We didn’t rush them. We didn’t compare our kids to the neighbor’s toddler who was already running marathons at 18 months (okay, maybe a little).

What we did do?

• We cheered.
• We were patient.
• We gave grace.
• We celebrated tiny wins like Olympic gold.
• We stayed close enough to catch them but far enough to let them try.

And here’s the thing I’ve been wrestling with: Why do we stop doing that?

When our kids grow older and try out for a team, don’t make the varsity cut, or fumble through their first job interview, why do we expect instant progress? And why, when our staff or colleagues don’t nail a goal right away, do we rush to “fix” or “strategize” instead of just… support?

It’s like we forget that learning, real learning, takes time.

The toddler wasn’t walking on a three-week improvement plan. They just tried. Fell. Got up. Tried again. They had us cheering them on with sippy cups raised high, clapping like maniacs for one step and a faceplant.

So why do we get so impatient now?

I think it’s because we’ve convinced ourselves that growth has to be complicated. That we need the right podcast, the right book, the right system or curriculum before we act. But you didn’t read a blog post on “3 Secrets to Helping Your Child Use the Toilet”. You showed up. You stayed consistent. You kept your cool (ish). And you offered grace on the hard days.

What if that’s enough in leadership too?

Patience. Persistence. Consistency. Calm. Grace.

These aren’t just parenting tools. They’re people tools. And whether you’re raising a future CEO or mentoring one, the same rules apply:

• Trust takes time.
• Growth isn’t linear.
• Comparison is a thief.
• And your presence might be the most powerful tool you carry.
  

So if you’re leading a team, raising a kid, or simply trying something new yourself – don’t overthink it. Go back to the basics. Be there. Be kind. Cheer louder than the fear.

And when they fall? Smile, extend your hand, and say, “You’ve got this.”

Because they do. And so do you.

Thanks for reading.
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I’m not here to teach. I’m here to walk the road alongside you. One wobbly step at a time.
-Derrick