Episode 28: When Adults Act Like Middle Schoolers (and How to Lead Anyway)
Podcast: The Principal Exchange PodcastPublished On: Sun Mar 01 2026
Description: Adults don’t outgrow middle school behavior — they just get better at disguising it. And if principals treat adult dynamics as purely rational instead of deeply human, leadership gets harder than it needs to be. In this episode, we break down the funny (and very real) ways adult behavior mirrors tween dynamics — from popularity politics, to whisper networks, to silent disagreement, to group project dynamics, to the drama triangle — and what principals can do to lead through it without getting pulled into the mess. No shaming, no venting — just psychology, communication, and culture in real schools. Because great leadership isn’t about expecting people to “be professional” all the time — it’s about understanding how humans actually work. If you’ve ever sat in a meeting and thought, “This feels exactly like seventh grade,” this episode will give you language, strategies, and perspective to lead the adults in your building with more clarity, calm, and compassion. Join us at our virtual TPE Summer Conference! Make sure you follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram
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