Name: Jeffrey Jacobs

Title: Assistant Principal

Organisation: NYC Public Schools

Leading with love at NYC Public Schools.

Jeffrey is a tenured Assistant Principal serving and supporting the children and families of 26 elementary and middle schools in their efforts of student attendance and family and community engagement. His work on behalf of the Superintendent has been pivotal in overcoming post-pandemic challenges that have impacted the academic and emotional well-being of children.

His team's strategic action planning and execution of professional learning have been instrumental in a rise in enrollment and daily attendance while fostering equitable and culturally responsive school communities in building a school climate and culture that improves student outcomes.

Jeffrey's current role capitalizes on his expertise in organizational behavior and communications to elevate student experiences and teacher capacity. A champion for children, Jeffrey embraces equity and empathy and collaborates with all stakeholders to craft a collective that prioritizes inclusivity and academic excellence. This shared leadership approach ensures that every member is seen, affirmed, and valued, laying the foundation for educational equity and excellence.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Jeffrey's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects I've encountered is navigating the complexities of change management. Implementing new strategies or processes often meets resistance, and guiding a team through transitions requires clear communication, empathy, and resilience.

I've learned that by fostering an environment of trust and openness and by clearly articulating the vision behind changes, I can inspire confidence and motivate my team to embrace new directions. This experience has strengthened my belief in my ability to lead effectively through challenges and drive positive outcomes.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My leadership journey began with various pivotal experiences that ignited my passion for guiding others. Early in my career, I was entrusted with leading projects that required coordinating diverse teams to achieve a common goal. Facing tight deadlines and high expectations, I embraced these challenges by fostering open communication, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining a clear and shared vision.

These experiences not only honed my leadership skills but also reinforced my belief in my ability to lead, the power of teamwork, and the importance of adaptability. Since then, I've continued to seek opportunities that allow me to lead with integrity and inspire others to reach their full potential.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Each day, for me, is built on a foundation of faith and intentionality, starting from the moment I wake up. My mornings are my anchor; I rise early, taking advantage of the quiet to ground myself. I set aside time to reflect on what lies ahead, centering my thoughts and drawing strength from my belief in a higher purpose. It’s not about rigid rituals but about starting the day with a sense of clarity and alignment.

As I transition into my workday, I approach challenges with focus and gratitude. I view my work as an opportunity to make a positive impact, staying open to learning and growth. For me, it’s about doing my best while remaining adaptable, knowing that obstacles are part of the journey and that resilience comes from trusting in something bigger than myself.

The day unfolds with purpose, but I make it a priority to pause when needed, recalibrate, and stay connected to the values that guide me. Whether it’s through moments of quiet reflection or simply appreciating the people around me, I try to ensure my faith isn’t just something I practice—it’s something I live.

Evenings are about reconnecting and recharging. I spend quality time with my family, reflecting on the day and recognizing the wins, both big and small. Before I end the day, I take a moment to process everything—what went well, what could improve, and what I’m grateful for. It’s less about perfection and more about progress, fueled by the confidence that every day is a step forward on a meaningful path.

Faith, for me, isn’t about rigid guidelines; it’s a steady, quiet strength that informs how I approach life’s ups and downs. It’s a compass that keeps me steady as I work toward my goals and grow in both my career and personal life.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent lesson I've embraced as a leader is the importance of setting firm boundaries when interacting with individuals who exhibit insecure or narcissistic behaviors. Navigating such dynamics requires courage and self-awareness to ensure that my strengths and contributions are not overshadowed or diminished.

In these situations, I've learned to assertively communicate my limits and expectations, which helps maintain a healthy professional environment. This approach not only protects my well-being but also upholds the integrity of my work. By refusing to dim my light to accommodate toxic behaviors, I foster a culture of mutual respect and authenticity.

This experience has reinforced my commitment to leading with confidence and integrity, regardless of external challenges. It serves as a reminder that true leadership involves not only guiding others but also steadfastly honoring one's values and boundaries.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly influenced my leadership journey is David C. Banks's Soar: How Boys Learn, Succeed, and Develop Character. In this work, Banks shares his experiences founding the Eagle Academy for Young Men, an all-boys public school in New York City, and offers insights into educating and mentoring young men, particularly those from marginalized communities.

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Reading Soar was transformative for me. Banks' narrative illuminated the significance of tailored educational approaches that address the unique challenges faced by young men of color. His emphasis on character development, mentorship, and community engagement resonated deeply, prompting me to reflect on my leadership practices.

Inspired by Banks' commitment to fostering environments where young men can thrive, I began to implement similar principles within my sphere of influence. I prioritized creating supportive spaces that encouraged open dialogue, personal growth, and resilience. This shift not only enhanced my effectiveness as a leader but also positively impacted those I led, fostering a culture of empowerment and mutual respect.

Soar reinforced the idea that leadership extends beyond administrative duties; it involves nurturing the potential in others and guiding them toward success. Banks's experiences and insights continue to serve as a source of inspiration, reminding me of the profound impact a dedicated leader can have on individuals and communities.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young aspiring leader, it would be: "Embrace authenticity and lead with integrity."

Authentic leadership involves staying true to your values, beliefs, and principles, even when faced with challenges or opposition. By being genuine and transparent, you build trust and credibility with those you lead. Integrity ensures that your actions align with your words, fostering a culture of honesty and ethical behavior.

In his book Soar: How Boys Learn, Succeed, and Develop Character, David C. Banks emphasizes the importance of character development and authenticity in leadership. He shares experiences from the Eagle Academy, highlighting how genuine commitment to one's values can inspire and uplift others. This approach not only leads to personal fulfillment but also empowers those around you to strive for excellence.

Remember, leadership is not about adopting a facade or conforming to others' expectations. It's about understanding who you are and what you stand for and having the courage to lead from that place of authenticity. By doing so, you create an environment where others feel safe to be themselves, fostering innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? Reflecting on my leadership journey, a particularly meaningful experience comes to mind that underscores the power of resilience and unwavering faith.

Early in my career, I was entrusted with leading a project that was pivotal to our organization's growth. The initiative faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, tight deadlines, and unforeseen obstacles that threatened its success. As the leader, I felt the weight of responsibility not only to deliver results but also to maintain the team's morale and cohesion.

During this period, I drew inspiration from the story of Joseph in Genesis, who, despite being sold into slavery and facing immense trials, remained steadfast in his faith and integrity. Joseph's journey from adversity to a position of leadership resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the importance of perseverance, strategic thinking, and maintaining one's principles in the face of challenges.

Embracing this mindset, I focused on transparent communication, fostering a collaborative environment, and encouraging innovative problem-solving within the team. We navigated each hurdle with determination, and through collective effort and unwavering commitment, we not only met but exceeded our project goals.

This experience reinforced my belief in the significance of leading with integrity, the strength found in unity, and the transformative power of resilience. It serves as a testament to the idea that, much like Joseph's journey, overcoming adversity with faith and determination can lead to profound growth and success.