“Always be kind and considerate to others, as you would hope others would be to you. Being kind and considerate includes wanting people to grow.” – George Couros

The sentiment above was shared in George Couros’ latest post, which you can read here. His words resonate deeply as we kick off another school year, where small gestures like a smile or a greeting can carry lasting impact.

As I walked the halls of seven buildings this week, greeting countless colleagues and students, it struck me that this small gesture, while just a microcosm of our day, could hold far greater meaning in the future.

For example, as I walked into 8th-grade classrooms, I was surprised to see the more mature faces of students I had known back when I was an assistant principal in elementary school. One student said, “Mrs. Kaufman, I remember you greeting us with the same smile four years ago.” A simple conversation from years ago had become a moment that built a bridge to today, connecting us with a greeting and a smile.

In another instance, I ran into a teacher I used to greet regularly in the hallway of my previous school district, back when she was escorting her students to their special area class. This time, that moment from years ago felt like it had met me in the future, as she now seemed more calm and capable than before. Perhaps her growth over the years, shaped by experience, had brought her to this place in a new building and hallway. We smiled at each other and stepped into her new classroom, where we had a familiar conversation about her day. It felt as though time had circled back, the same conversation unfolding again, but now enriched by the years in between.

As I entered another building, I ran into yet another teacher. It felt like fate. I needed to see her at that moment because she is someone who, through every conversation, has brought me a sense of calm since I began my journey in my current district. I’m not sure what it is about her, but I seem to gravitate toward her kind and supportive energy. We often share conversations about education, the important work ahead of us, the celebrations, and the obstacles. And at the end of each chat, we thank each other for that brief moment of respite before the hustle of the day. Before we went on with our respective tasks, I thanked her for the conversation, telling her how much I needed it. She smiled and said, “Sometimes, we all need these conversations.”

As I reflect on these moments, I’m reminded of something Case Kenny said in his book Bold You: “Your intuition is just your future self guiding you in the right direction.” These interactions, whether with students or teachers, feel like gentle nudges from our future selves, showing us the significance of these seemingly small moments.

In my book, The Leader Inside, I shared this thought: You do not have to reflect what someone thinks you should be. Instead, you can be a reflection of the person you want and are meant to be. Each conversation, each moment of kindness, helps shape that reflection.

In every interaction and walk in the hall, we grow, we connect, we support each other—just as George Couros reminds us, being kind and considerate is part of wanting others to grow.

One conversation at a time.

Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow

Start the Day with Intentional Greetings
Make a point to greet students and colleagues with a warm smile or brief conversation. This simple act can foster connection and create a positive atmosphere, helping build relationships that can have a lasting impact.

Check In with a Colleague or Student
Take five minutes to have a meaningful check-in with someone—whether it’s a colleague who seems stressed or a student who could use encouragement. These small moments of kindness can boost morale and demonstrate genuine care.

Reflect on Growth and Acknowledge It
Make it a habit to acknowledge personal growth in those around you. Whether in a conversation or a brief note, recognize the growth you’ve observed in a colleague or student. It reinforces that you see their effort and encourages continued progress.