“Emotional intelligence” is not only a vital part of Superintendent Atiya Perkins’ leadership philosophy, it’s how she stays in touch with her own humanity. And, Perkins explains, the key to building and maintaining the emotional intelligence that leads to good decision-making is none other than “breathing.”
“It’s having self-awareness, being a self-reflector,” Perkins explains in the latest episode of District Administration’s “Talking Out of School” podcast. “It’s being able to make decisions accurately. It is building relationships and then establishing connections to understand what other people are thinking—and believing that’s the role of the superintendent.
“You have to engage with education stakeholders at every level, in and out of the classroom.”
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Perkins, who just completed her first year leading Linden Public Schools in New Jersey, will cover emotional intelligence and breathing as a featured speaker at District Administration’s LeadHership Summit, which takes place in September for female K12 leaders. She intends to guide attendees in not rushing through decisions or reacting too hastily.
“It’s pausing for the cause to make sense out of what you have,” she attests. “We can’t be quick, reactionary leaders—we have to be critical thinkers. That is a component of trying to mitigate stress in the role that we have.”
Perkins also shares some advice for other female educators who want to become district leaders—and describes her first year at the helm in Linden Public Schools as “victorious.” She and her team have expanded programming, boosted student achievement and retained staff.
“You have to add value to people,” Perkins explains. “If they feel as if they’re being seen and heard it does help mitigate that we’re in a competitive world right now.”
Listen to the podcast below, or on Apple, Podbean or Spotify.
