Stephen Bigelow, PhD

As a superintendent, one of the most impactful tools I ever introduced to my leadership team was the combination of 360-degree feedback and Hogan personality assessments. The insights these tools provided were not just beneficial for me—they proved transformative for my entire administrative team. These assessments, conducted with confidentiality for each participant, enabled us to deepen our understanding of how we were perceived by our colleagues and, more importantly, how we could grow as leaders in our schools.

For me, the results were eye-opening. I could see the gap between how I perceived myself and how others saw me. Every leader needs this, especially in education, where decisions impact staff, students, and the broader community. The feedback allowed me to focus on specific areas for improvement and gave me the self-awareness necessary to lead more effectively. The confidentiality of the results meant that participants felt safe in receiving genuine, candid feedback without fear of judgment or consequences, which is critical in a K-12 setting where relationships can be delicate.

The Hogan assessment added a layer of insight, focusing on personality traits and values that influence leadership style. It helped me understand what I was doing as a leader and why I behaved in specific ways. This combination of external feedback and internal reflection proved incredibly powerful for my development and the district.

The results were so compelling that I implemented these tools across our administrative team. Each team member gained a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for growth, and, as a group, we became more aligned in our vision and execution. This enhanced communication boosted morale and created a culture of continuous improvement within the district.

Larry Lobert, the mind behind School Leader 360, guided us through this process. His expertise in K-12 education and personalized approach ensured that the assessments were tailored to the unique challenges of school leadership. While these tools were transformative for us, they are equally powerful for any district seeking to develop its leaders and foster a stronger, more cohesive administrative team.

Explore 360-degree feedback and Hogan assessments to bring meaningful, data-driven development to your school leaders. The confidential nature of the process ensures that leaders can engage in genuine self-improvement, and the results speak for themselves: greater clarity, more decisive leadership, and, ultimately, a more effective school system.