385. Focusing on Lead Measures Instead of Noise: Featuring Dave Schmittou

What if the biggest key to better leadership is not focusing on the lagging measures, but learning how to measure what truly matters? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Dave Schmittou to talk about leadership, priority management, and the difference between lead measures and lagging measures. Dave shares practical insight from his work with schools, districts, and organizations, and explains why leaders must clarify the results they want before they can effectively guide others. Together, they explore why so many leaders get stuck managing process instead of outcomes, how overcontrolling can create dependence, and what it looks like to build independence and interdependence in staff and students. Dave also shares a powerful story about getting out of the way, the value of focusing on lead measures, and how leaders can create cultures centered on real growth and measurable progress. **About Dave Schmittou:** As an educator for more than two decades, Dave has earned a reputation for being a disruptor of the status quo, an innovator, and a change agent. Having served as a classroom teacher, school-based administrator, central office director, and professor of Educational Leadership, he often uses real-life stories and examples of his own life and career to describe why and how we need to confront “the way we have always done it.” He is now the Director of Leadership and Development with the Teach Better Team where he speaks, consults, and partners with districts around the country. He has written multiple books, including “It’s Like Riding a Bike: How to make learning last a lifetime”, “Bold Humility”, “Making Assessment Work for Educators Who Hate Data but Love Kids”, and “Poking the Bear”. **Follow Dave Schmittou:** - Website:https://schmittou.net - Twitter:@daveschmittou - Instagram:@daveschmittou - Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LastingLearning1 - Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schmittou-90022a41 - YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKwwjU4R1TYyRZfQ2VjY5JQ - Podcast:The Lasting Learning Podcast - Phone Number: (734) 377-3457 https://www.amazon.com/Poking-Bear-engaging-conversations-matter/dp/1959347004?\_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683941974&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=06ca461b93d74ee81b5ad57d4bb12400&language=en\_US&ref\_=as\_li\_ss\_tl — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en\_US&ref\_=as\_li\_ss\_tl *The Language of Behavior* is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, *The Language of Behavior* provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. **Bulk Orders:** https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders — Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact [Brad Waid](mailto:techbradwaid@gmail.com) to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. **Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:** - Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/ - Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua\\Stamper - Instagram:www.instagram.com/joshua\\stamper - Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper - Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast - Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 ***Aspire to Lead* Won the FireBird Award!** I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio! It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support! The book is available for purchase on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as\_li\_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 **Review the Podcast** I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. *This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.* **Teach Better Podcast Network** This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/