In this Pearl, Angela explains why meaningful leadership begins with listening rather than initiating change. She reflects on how new leaders often enter a school with ideas already formed, but every school has its own people, culture, and history that must be understood first. Angela emphasizes the importance of observing, asking questions, and learning the lived experiences of students, staff, families, and long-standing colleagues before making decisions. A pivotal moment came when a veteran teacher shared, “People come in with new ideas, change everything, and leave. No one ever asks what we’ve already done or why we do things this way.” Through experiences with hesitant teachers, misunderstood parents, and mislabeled classes, Angela found that taking time to learn always changed the narrative and strengthened trust. Her message is simple and powerful: learn before you lead.
Professional positions cited were the ones held at the time of recording. The positions and schools of those quoted may have since changed.
Angela Collins is the Assistant/Deputy Principal at the American International School of Lagos.
