Leaders invest in many things. They invest in their personal growth, new initiatives, cutting-edge technology, and strategies to stay ahead. But too often, they overlook the most important investment of all—their team.

A team is the engine that drives any organization forward. Without a strong, empowered, and well-equipped team, even the best plans will fall short. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room or having all the answers. It’s about developing and supporting the people around you so they can achieve their highest potential.

Understanding Your Team’s Needs

The first step in investing in your team is understanding what they truly need. Too often, leaders assume they know what’s best without taking the time to listen. Your team’s needs aren’t just about tools or policies—they’re about growth, learning, and feeling valued.

Ask yourself and ask your team: 

• Does my team have access to the training and development they need to improve?

• Are they engaged and inspired, or just showing up?

• What barriers are holding them back from performing at their best?

• How can I help them grow as professionals and individuals?

• What support do they feel they need.

Pat Adkins, superintendent at Port Clinton City Schools does a great job with these questions. He offers 3-4 “Leadership Academies” for his team to learn and grow after having his team complete an interest survey. He also, regularly provides the district with speakers and events that is second-to-none. What a great example of investing in your team!

Ways to Invest in Your Team

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to team investment, but there are many ways to provide meaningful support and development:

Joe Miller, Founder of PC SEL Symposium

1. Provide Professional Development Opportunities

Encourage growth by offering training, conferences, and mentorship programs. Invest in their skills so they can become better at what they do. A book study, online course, or even bringing in a guest speaker can spark new ideas and motivation. My colleague, Chelsea Moyer and I offer all day inservices, after school trainings, personalized small group or 1:1 trainings, as well as a rich on-demand video archive. 

We are proud of our collaborative leadership philosophy. Our best ideas come from our teachers and we are eager to support their passion. Last Friday, Joe Miller, Port Clinton High School Teacher and founder of our Port Clinton SEL Symposium led an amazing SEL opportunity that is expanding and evolving each year. It was one of the most memorable days of the year. Joe crushed it and changed lives. What a day! Great speakers! Great learning! Thank you, Joe Miller. Find out more here.

2. Make Learning a Priority

Create a culture where continuous learning is part of the job. Whether it’s a dedicated time for collaboration, access to industry insights, or leadership training, ensure learning is embedded in your team’s routine. Port Clinton City Schools has “Relentless Pursuit of Growth” built right into its core beliefs, and we live it. It’s not always easy, but it is always worthwhile. Some schools host book studies. Micro learning is also awesome. Just start! 

3. Open Conversations & Remove Barriers

Sometimes, the best investment is simply making space for real conversations. Ask for honest feedback, address concerns, and foster an environment where your team feels heard and valued. When we ask and listen to those on the frontlines of our organization and provide support and let them lead… amazing things happen. 

4. Equip Them with the Right Resources

It’s not enough for a team to function—they need the right tools to thrive. Whether it’s technology, additional staffing, or time to focus on growth, make sure they have what they need to succeed. It’s not expensive… it’s priceless. Our treasurer, Jeff Dornbusch works hard to be an excellent steward of our funds and provide teachers and leaders what they need. It is amazing. 

5. Celebrate & Recognize Growth

Investing in your team isn’t just about skills—it’s about confidence, morale, and engagement. Acknowledge their progress, celebrate wins, and remind them their work makes a difference.

This is without a doubt my favorite part of my job; I love to celebrate and promote our amazing staff and all that we accomplish. I truly believe we become what we celebrate! We become what we talk about!

When you invest in your team, you’re not just improving performance—you’re creating a culture of excellence. And when your team grows, their impact expands beyond your organization, reaching the lives of those they serve. A leader’s success isn’t measured by personal achievements but by the success of those they lead.

Our building leadership: Gary Steyer, Adam Hicks, Denny Antonelli, Jen Dackermann, Morgan Siefke, Amanda Mooney, and Kendra VanDoren are excellent examples of leaders investing in their teams. I love their creative ideas and willingness to listen to others and support them.

Make investing in your team a priority, and watch the difference it makes.

I am honored and flattered to have been part of the investment in districts’ teams as an opening day speaker or part of other training. It is something I do not take lightly and work hard to excel at and deliver results & the feel-goods. Thank you to the many districts and conferences that have invited me to be a part of their investment.

Always forward,

Kelly

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Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
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Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
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