Summary: Explore the transformative strategies for building leadership depth in K-12 education with Dr. Jim as he speaks with Dr. Matt Hillmann, Superintendent of Northfield Schools in Minnesota. Discover how the district tackles educator shortages and declining enrollment by leveraging cross-functional work teams. Learn about innovative approaches to enhancing collaboration, professional development, and retention, all while maintaining high community expectations. Dr. Hillmann shares insights on navigating challenges with clarity, focus, and continuous improvement to foster a culture of success and empowerment for educators and staff. Key Takeaways: Distributed Leadership: Learn about the benefits of using work teams to cultivate leadership depth across educational districts, enhancing collaboration and problem-solving.Strategic Collaboration: Discover how engaging various stakeholders and employing strategic planning frameworks can create inclusive and effective educational environments.Innovative Compensation Models: Understand the role of total compensation, including non-monetary benefits, in attracting broader participation and expert involvement in solution-based work teams.Clarity and Focus in Execution: Dr. Hillmann stresses the importance of having clear goals and focused priorities to maximize the effectiveness of work teams and prevent burnout.Continuous Improvement: Embrace a culture of continual evaluation and adjustment to keep initiatives dynamic and responsive to changing challenges. Chapters: 00:00 Building Leadership Depth in K-12 Education 02:49 Dr. Matt Hillmann's Leadership Journey from Journalism to Education 06:03 Building Collaborative Leadership in a School District 15:36 Collaborative Work Teams Transform Educational Challenges 24:54 Enhancing Employee Performance and Retention Through Core Expectations 30:50 Building Leadership Depth Through Clarity, Focus, and Iteration Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Matt Hillmann: linkedin.com/in/matt-hillmann-29832617 Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe