Giving Compass' Take:

• Here are four perspectives from principals and superintendents that share valuable lessons in educational leadership and growth opportunities. 

• What are some ways that education donors can support growth leadership? 

• Learn more about effective leadership from principals. 

Over the past year, we've had a chance to speak with principals and superintendents from schools and districts of all sizes. While the discussions ran the gamut of topics, a handful of educational leadership mindsets are evident across the board.

Here are four key takeaways from this year's Lessons In Leadership cohort.

Leadership isn’t a popularity contest As the old maxim goes, the right decision isn't always the most popular one. Many of the calls principals and superintendents make are going to have their share of detractors no matter which side of the fence they land on. During his time leading Indianapolis Public Schools, Washington, D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee was no stranger to contention, especially when it came to decisions involving charter schools.

"I've learned that when you do push for better for students who are historically not performing well, you disrupt naturally some systems that have benefited adults and not necessarily children. When you do that, there comes some pushback with that disruption," Ferebee said.

Building pipelines and training opportunities is crucial District leaders can address at least a couple of those by focusing on building more robust pipelines to administration, fortified with intensive training and mentorship opportunities.

Not only can these efforts lengthen tenures with better-prepared and supported candidates, but they establish a pipeline for when turnover does occur. (And superintendents shouldn't overlook similar models for their own positions and those of their cabinets, either.)

There's no one-size-fits-all leadership model Of course, there's no "right" way to lead, as a number of factors play a role into what approaches are going to be most effective, and gaining buy-in is easier if students, faculty and other stakeholders leaders are being genuine.

Culture is everything Ultimately, a genuine approach is also necessary to foster positive school culture.

Read the full article about lessons in school leadership by Roger Riddell at Education Dive.