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A Timely Blueprint for Transformational School Leadership--Relational Intelligence (Johnson & Edoho-Eket)

Updated: 5 days ago

By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Sunday, August 3, 2025 | EducationFIRST



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Leadership That Connects: A Personal Reflection

As someone deeply passionate about effective leadership and the development of leaders at all levels, I’m always on the lookout for resources that speak not just to the head, but also to the heart of leadership. When Relational Intelligence by Dr. Brad Johnson and Dr. Rachel Edoho‑Eket arrived in the mail, I originally planned to ease into it over the weekend. But the book had other plans—it was calling me the same evening it was delivered.


From the very first chapter, I was pulled in. I found myself highlighting line after line, scribbling notes in my journal, and pausing to reflect on my own leadership experiences. The insights were so timely and transformative that I honestly couldn’t put it down. A few days later, I’d finished it cover to cover—and felt both affirmed and challenged as a leader.


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Transforming Leadership with Relationship Wisdom

In Relational Intelligence: The Key Factor to Exceptional School Leadership, Johnson and Edoho‑Eket deliver a refreshing vision: the essence of impactful leadership lies not in strategy or authority, but in the quality of human connections. With decades of experience in education leadership, the authors argue that what truly differentiates great leaders is their relational intelligence—or “RQ.”


Three Pillars at the Heart of Leadership

The book revolves around three foundational pillars:

  1. Trust – How leaders foster psychological safety, credibility, and mutual respect.

  2. Communication – The art of listening with empathy, having courageous conversations, and practicing vulnerability.

  3. Connection – Building authentic relationships that go beyond compliance, inspiring genuine buy-in and shared purpose.


The authors provide actionable tools like reflective feedback, strength-based leadership, and the HOPE framework—Hope, Opportunity, Praise, Encouragement—to sustain morale and momentum in school communities.


Why It Matters Now

Drawing on real-life anecdotes from school leaders who have transformed their cultures, Relational Intelligence responds to challenges like low teacher morale, disengaged communities, and leadership burnout. It reframes leadership from micromanagement and transactional command to relational empowerment and shared vision.



Highlighting a Standout Chapter: Boundaries and Balance

Among the many insightful chapters, Chapter 9: Boundaries and Balance stands out as my personal favorite. In this section, Johnson and Edoho‑Eket tackle a critical yet often overlooked aspect of school leadership—maintaining personal wellness while leading with intention.


This chapter doesn’t shy away from naming the toll leadership can take. Instead, it offers a blueprint for creating healthy boundaries that protect energy, support longevity, and model self-respect for staff and students alike. Whether it's managing your time, safeguarding emotional bandwidth, or navigating the tension between availability and overextension, Chapter 9 reminds leaders that sustainability is just as important as service. It's a necessary, compassionate guide to preserving the leader behind the leadership.


Stories, Tools, and Emotional Truths

Each chapter opens with real-world stories that bring relational concepts to life. Reflective questions, leadership prompts, and adaptable tools make the content practical for school teams and leadership cohorts.

Readers will also appreciate the emphasis on vulnerability as strength, as the authors encourage leaders to lean into authenticity—not as a weakness, but as the cornerstone of trust.


Final Verdict

Relational Intelligence is more than a leadership book—it's a movement toward more humane, emotionally intelligent school environments. With its balance of inspiration and practicality, this guide is poised to become essential reading for anyone committed to leading with both courage and care.


And if you're like me, Relational Intelligence will certainly change how you lead—and how you live. Let me know which chapter resonates with you and why!


About Dr. Sharon H. Porter


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Dr. Sharon H. Porter is the host of Leadership Matters podcast and the founder of Leadership SHP, a premier coaching and mentorship platform dedicated to developing the next generation of school leaders. Through The New Principal RoundTable (NPR) and the Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy (APLA), Leadership SHP provides aspiring and first-year principals with the tools, strategies, and support needed to thrive in their roles. 


With a focus on transformative leadership, practical guidance, and a strong professional network, Leadership SHP empowers educators to lead with confidence, impact, and purpose—ultimately shaping stronger schools and communities.


Dr. Porter has served as an elementary and middle school principal for over a decade and is the author of the Women Who Lead book series, Next In Line to Lead book series, and Champions of Change:Black Male Educators Making a Positive Impact In Schools.


"Empowering Leaders. Elevating Voices. Inspiring Change"

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