This spring, our MA Fellows in the School Leadership program will share blog posts about their coursework and learning journey. Interested in becoming part of a future cohort? Connect with us here.
By: Heather Sadler
When you picture a leader, what comes to mind? Likely, you envision a person who is decisive, passionate, persuasive and confident. Someone with the ability to command attention, influence the masses, and exude authority.
Leadership is often seen as the display of power and charisma—marked by the ability to captivate, influence, and command.
But what if true leadership looks fundamentally different from these perceptions? What if the most transformative leadership happens through quiet, intentional service?
Challenging Leadership Paradigms
This summer, as I began my master’s program in School Leadership at Baylor University, I encountered an archetype of leadership that challenged the conventional understanding of what it means to lead.
In her book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain introduces an inverted perspective on leadership—one that resonates profoundly with the principles of educational transformation.
Cain challenges the traditional “extrovert ideal,” which elevates bold, charismatic, and outspoken leaders as the standard for success. In contrast, she offers an alternative archetype defined by introspection, empathy, and quiet strength—qualities that can foster meaningful and lasting change.
Cain states, “We don’t need giant personalities to transform companies. We need leaders who build not their own egos but the institutions they run.”1 This statement captures the essence of adaptive change in leadership—shifting focus from individual heroism to service and collective strength.
The Theological Roots of Servant Leadership
For those of faith, it’s not hard not to draw a parallel between Cain’s work and the Christian worldview of servant leadership. Servant leadership is not just a management strategy, but a profound theological principle modeled in Christ.
Paul describes this leadership paradigm in Philippians 2:5-8:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…”
Jesus Christ, possessing ultimate power, chose radical humility. He didn’t command from a distance but walked alongside those he led, washing feet, listening deeply, and elevating the powerless.
Quiet Leadership in Educational Contexts
As Christian educators, we can transform our schools by adopting this Christ-centered approach to leadership. Cain states, “Quiet leadership is not an oxymoron”-it’s an intentional, confident strategy of collective empowerment.
Quiet leaders cultivate an atmosphere of collaborative growth. They:
• Foster an environment of peace and harmony
• Invite dialogue instead of directing conversations
• Create safety for all voices to emerge
• Communicate through active listening and genuine curiosity for understanding
• Act with confident restraint, prioritizing collective mission over individual recognition
This looks like administrators:
• Seeking feedback from staff, students, and parents to shape a shared vision for improvement
• Modeling humility and setting a tone of respect and collaboration
• Mentoring emerging leaders by encouraging initiative within a supportive framework
The Unexpected Power of Humility
True influence, we discover, isn’t about being the loudest or most charismatic voice in the room. Leaders listen, reflect, and empower others. This kind of leadership is both countercultural and profoundly impactful, shifting focus from individual achievement to community flourishing.
By embracing quiet leadership rooted in service, empathy, and collective care, we create more than high-functioning schools—we cultivate transformative spaces where everyone is seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and strength: as we lead with humility and purpose, we reflect Christ’s love and create transformative change that extends beyond the walls of our schools. This is the heart of true leadership— intentional, lasting, and quietly powerful.
About the Author
Heather Sadler serves as the Director of Admissions at The Woodlands Christian Academy in The Woodlands, Texas, and is a current student in Baylor’s Master of Arts in School Leadership program. Heather spent eight years in early childhood education before moving to administration, where she now works to advance Christian education in her local community. She is a published author, ranging from children’s literature to theological curriculum.