“The heart leads first.”Dr. Naesha Parks
Share a real or possible school leadership issue with your facilitators. Meet with your group by phone, online, or in person; select a team captain; and prepare to present your response on the last day of class.
COURSE NOTE
Presentation topics require facilitator approval. Bring one reference that supports your group's thinking.
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Heart to Heart Leaders!
Congratulations to The Influencers, the first group to respond to our leadership challenge by sharing their potential problem of practice and updated group roster! They have earned $125 toward snacks or a light dinner to enjoy together before ir during their next meeting.
The Influencers have selected the four-day workweek as their potential problem of practice and scheduled their second meeting for November 2, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. They are putting leadership into action through timely communication, initiative, and follow-through!
Our challenge is about more than responding first. Leading with HEART means honoring commitments, engaging with your team, and taking responsibility for moving the work forward. Your response helps your group stay connected and allows your professors to support your progress.
Let’s keep the momentum going! If your group has not yet responded, please email both professors your potential problem of practice and updated group roster. Continue meeting, exchanging ideas, and making sure every member has a voice.
I look forward to seeing how each group turns a meaningful question into thoughtful leadership work. The Influencers have answered the challenge—now let’s hear from you!
With heart,
Dr. P
❤️ The Heart of Leadership Challenge: Respond. Connect. Follow Through.
Heart to Heart Leaders-
Leadership shows up in how we communicate, honor commitments, and respond when others are counting on us. A timely, thoughtful response shows respect for others’ time and helps the whole team move forward.
In my recent email, I asked each group to send:
Here’s an added challenge: The first group to email me BOTH items will receive a group reward! Please coordinate with your teammates and send one complete response with everyone copied.
This is your opportunity to practice shared ownership, clear communication, and dependable follow-through. Every member has a role in helping the group succeed.
Lead with heart—and follow through together!
Dr. P
Heart to Heart Leaders-
This Week’s Leadership Challenge
Notice. Name. Encourage.
This week, intentionally recognize someone whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed—a student, coworker, administrator or parent, anyone you choose
• Notice: Pay attention to something specific they do that makes a difference.
• Name: Tell them exactly what you observed and why it mattered.
• Encourage: Let them know how their contribution helps others: “When you ___, it helped ___.”
Then, follow up with someone you supported during our Listen. Learn. Act. challenge. Ask, “Did that help? Is there anything else you need?”
Email a brief reflection to contact@naeshaparks.com sharing what you did and what you learned. We will certainly shout you out! Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Who knows, maybe an award extrinsic award as well.
You can lead wherever you are.
❤️ Dr. P
Heart to Heart Leaders-
Shout-out to Delores Williams for putting leadership into action! Delores asked her teammate what support she needed, listened to understand her challenges with Canvas, and shared Math and Science resources she could adapt for her students. She then followed up to find out whether the support helped.
Delores, you modeled intentional, non-evaluative leadership by turning a colleague’s need into practical support. Ask.You can lead wherever you are! Dr. P~
Delores -Check your email for a message from your instructors.
Dr. P
Leaders,
Choose one student, coworker, or parent and ask:
“What is one thing I could do this week to better support you?”
Listen without interrupting or explaining. Choose one small action you can follow through on, then check back: “Did that help?”
I would love to hear from you about the challenge. In a few sentences, share what you did, how the person responded, and what you learned about leading. Leave out names and personal details.
Email: contact@naeshaparks.com
One question. One action. One opportunity to lead with heart.
Dr. P ❤️IMG_9043
Heart to Heart Leaders-
Shout-out to LaTrell Strickland, the first to accept our Leadership Challenge! Her experience reminds us that you can lead wherever you are.
From the desk of LaTrell Strickland:
“I asked a student, ‘What is one thing I could do this week to better support you?’ I listened without interrupting and learned that clearer directions and examples would help the student feel more confident with assignments. I followed through by providing more specific directions, modeling the first step, and checking for understanding.
“When I followed up, the student said it helped them feel less overwhelmed. This reminded me that leadership is not always about making big changes. I realized that sometimes, it is simply listening, responding to what you hear, and showing others that their voice matters.”
We also have exciting news! Dr. Alexandar has graciously agreed to purchase a CliftonStrengths assessment for everyone. This is a huge investment in your growth, and we are grateful for her generosity!
The assessment will add another layer to your personalized coaching session, helping us explore your unique strengths and how you can use them intentionally in your leadership. I will email you the link; simply follow the instructions and answer honestly.
Speaking of coaching, yesterday’s coaching was a huge success! I look forward to continuing these conversations and helping each of you put your strengths into action.
Keep leading wherever you are!
❤️ Dr. P-
LaTrell, please check your inbox for a message from your professors!
Explore Dr. P’s leadership and parent engagement services.