Episode 288: Building Belonging Through Microinclusions with Tom Walls

Relationships don't happen by accident. The strongest classrooms, teams, and organizations are built through intentional habits that communicate one simple message: You matter here.In Episode 288 of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin sits down with veteran educator, football coach, and leadership speaker Tom Walls to discuss the power of what he calls microinclusions—small, repeatable actions that create belonging, trust, and buy-in without requiring hours of preparation.Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in classrooms and on football fields across the United States and Canada, Tom shares practical strategies that any leader can begin using immediately.Among the topics discussed:Why great culture is built through consistent daily rituals—not occasional big momentsThe surprising leadership power of a simple handshakeHow repetition creates belonging and shared identityWhy relationships—not lesson plans—became the most rewarding part of Tom's teaching careerThe importance of helping people feel seen, heard, and valuedWhy leaders should embrace finesse over force when influencing othersHow asking better questions uncovers the hidden learning gaps our students and staff may haveWhether you're a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, or organizational leader, this conversation is a reminder that leadership often isn't about doing more—it's about being more intentional with the moments you already have.About Tom WallsTom Walls is a veteran educator, football coach, and leadership speaker with more than 30 years of experience building student-led classrooms and championship-caliber football programs. His upcoming book, Coach Like a Teacher, Teach Like a Coach, explores how proven teaching strategies and coaching principles can be used to develop stronger classrooms, teams, and school communities. Tom presents internationally on leadership, team building, student engagement, and organizational culture.Connect with TomLinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/tom-wallsleadershipSubstack:http://thomaswalls.substack.comConnect with Darrin PeppardWebsite: https://roadtoawesome.netLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrinmpeppardLearn more about coaching, consulting, keynote speaking, and leadership development opportunities through Road to Awesome.Sponsor Spotlight:This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor.HeyTutor partners with schools and districts nationwide to provide evidence-based high-dosage tutoring support in Math and ELA while helping schools remain intentional about staff capacity and student support systems.Learn more here: HeyTutor.com