The Psychology of Perseverance in Women’s Leadership
Perseverance is not about pushing harder. It begins with purpose. This post looks at how meaning helps women in school leadership stay grounded through the moments that matter most.
When people talk about perseverance in leadership, they often picture grit or toughness. The truth is more human than that. Perseverance usually starts with meaning. It grows in the quiet moments when we remember why the work matters. It shows up when purpose feels stronger than pressure.
Perseverance is not loud. It lives in the small choices that never make it into reports or agendas. It shows up in the patient conversation at the end of a long day. It appears in the moment you steady yourself before you respond. It grows each time you return to your values when everything around you feels heavy.
Psychology offers another lens. Meaning acts as an anchor that keeps us steady during demanding moments. Park writes that when people connect their experiences to purpose, they show more clarity and hope in the face of challenge. Steger explains that meaning gives people a sense of direction, especially during uncertain times. Their work helps us stay grounded when everything else feels chaotic. It is a core part of how leaders stay grounded.
Women in school leadership often experience this in a unique way. Purpose is shaped through connection and relationships. It comes from the community we build and the people we serve. Studies in leadership and psychology show that women often draw strength from connection, collaboration, and purpose, and these relational qualities help sustain perseverance over time. Coleman found that women leaders often rely on values and identity to guide them through difficult situations. Oplatka and Tamir showed how relationships influence career decisions and commitment. Young and Skrla explained that women use relational strength to navigate expectations that are often invisible. A recent study by Nkosi found that mentoring, networking, and collaborative support help women leaders push through gendered challenges in their work.
In schools, purpose is woven into everything we do. It shows in the student who grows in confidence because of a quiet check-in. It shows in the teacher who feels seen because you stopped to listen. It shows in the pride you feel when your school community grows together. These moments build meaning that strengthens your leadership over time.
Perseverance does not require you to be unbreakable. It asks you to stay connected to why you lead. It grows when you honor your values and take the next right step with intention. Meaning gives us strength that lasts beyond difficult days.
If you are a woman in school leadership, remember that your perseverance is not measured by how much you take on; it is measured by how much you accomplish. It is shaped by how you stay rooted in purpose. The meaning you create each day is already building resilience in ways that matter. You may not always see it, but it is there in every connection, every moment of clarity, and every steady breath before you continue.
References
Coleman, M. (2005). Gender and headship in the twenty first century. Gender and Education, 17(3), 303–318.
Nkosi, M. Z. (2024). Breaking barriers and building bridges. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 6(1), 1–23.
Oplatka, I., & Tamir, V. (2009). I do not want to become a school principal. Educational Management Administration and Leadership, 37(1), 81–95.
Park, C. L. (2010). Making sense of the meaning literature. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 257–301.
Steger, M. F. (2012). Making meaning in life. Psychological Inquiry, 23(4), 381–385.
Young, M. D., & Skrla, L. (2011). Revisiting the gendered nature of educational leadership. Routledge.