Introducing...

leadership by subtraction

A coaching program and community for school leaders.

Stop Trying to Fix Everything. Start Focusing on What Matters Most.

The coaching program for principals who are tired of chasing every initiative and ready to lead with clarity, focus, and confidence.

Do any of these sound familiar?

  • You're juggling so many priorities that you never feel like you're making meaningful progress on any of them.

  • You spend your days putting out fires and your evenings trying to catch up on the work that actually matters.

  • You keep looking for the next strategy, book, or productivity hack, hoping it will finally make leadership feel manageable.

  • You know you have the potential to make a bigger impact, but you feel overwhelmed by everything competing for your attention.

Picture this instead:

✓ You wake up each day knowing exactly what deserves your focus and confidently ignore the rest.

✓  You leave work feeling accomplished because you invested your time in high-impact leadership, not constant firefighting.
✓ Your staff has clarity because you're leading a few key priorities consistently instead of introducing new initiatives every month.

✓ You feel calm, confident, and in control, with the energy to lead both at school and at home without feeling stretched thin.

What is Leadership by Subtraction?

Leadership by Subtraction is more than a coaching program—it's a new way of thinking about school leadership. It's built around one simple belief: 

Schools don't improve because principals do more. Schools improve because principals become clear about what matters most and have the courage to subtract everything that doesn't.

Most principals are overwhelmed because they're trying to improve behavior, instruction, staff culture, attendance, family engagement, and test scores all at once. Every new initiative feels important, and every interruption demands attention. Leadership by Subtraction helps you lead differently. 
 
Inside the program, you'll learn the Five Principles of Leadership by Subtraction:
Subtract Noise – Eliminate distractions so you can focus on what matters most. 
Subtract Decisions – Build systems that reduce decision fatigue and create consistency.  
Subtract Dependence – Empower your staff so your school doesn't rely on you for everything. Subtract Guilt – Lead with confidence by setting healthy boundaries and making intentional decisions. 
Subtract Distractions – Protect your time for the work that only you can do: leading instruction, developing people, and moving your school forward. 
 
Each month, we'll apply these principles to the real challenges you're facing in your building.  Together, we'll identify the one priority that will create the biggest ripple effect, eliminate what's getting in the way, and help you implement with clarity and confidence. 
 
Because leadership isn't about doing more. It's about subtracting what doesn't matter so you can lead what does. 

Less noise.

More clarity.

Greater confidence.

Better leadership.

What you Get: 

Monthly Live Group Coaching 

  • One 60-minute live coaching call each month 
  • Coaching around one high-impact leadership topic 
  • One Q & A Call each month
  • Hot-seat coaching opportunities 
  • Accountability to help you implement your school goals 


Leadership by Subtraction Community 

  • Private community of like-minded principals 
  • Ask questions and get support 
  • Celebrate wins and share ideas 
  • Learn from other school leaders 
  • Ongoing encouragement and accountability 


One Course of Your Choice 

Choose the course that matches your biggest leadership priority: 

  • Instructional Leadership Toolkit 
  • Tier 1 Behavior Blueprint 
  • 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint
  • Discipline Blueprint Confidence 


Reset One priority. One course. One year of focused implementation. 


Weekly Leadership Reset 

Every Monday you'll receive a short coaching audio to help you: 

  • Stay focused on what matters most 
  • Build confidence 
  • Navigate difficult conversations 
  • Strengthen your instructional leadership 
  • Set healthy boundaries 
  • Stay motivated throughout the school year 


 Leadership by Subtraction Framework 

You'll learn how to: 

  • Identify your highest-impact leadership priority 
  • Eliminate distractions that steal your time 
  • Create a focused implementation plan 
  • Lead with greater clarity instead of constantly reacting 
  • Build momentum by doing less—but doing it better

Program Dates and Investment

Leadership by Subtraction begins August 3, 2026, and runs through December 31, 2026. 

Over the course of five months, you'll move through the Leadership by Subtraction framework with monthly coaching, implementation support, and access to the complete curriculum—all designed to help you reclaim your time and become a more intentional, effective school leader. 
 
Investment  
Choose the payment option that works best for you:  
5 Monthly Payments of $200 
Pay in Full: $850 (you save $150)
 
Whichever option you choose, you'll receive the same complete experience, including all course materials, live coaching, implementation resources, and community support.

Do you want your district to pay for it?

Many school districts support leadership development through professional development funds or purchase orders. 

 Yes—I accept Purchase Orders. 

 If your district requires approval before purchasing, I've made it easy. Simply use the email template below to request funding from your supervisor or district office.


Hi {Supervisor's Name}, 

 I would like to request district support for a professional learning opportunity called Leadership by Subtraction, a five-month coaching and leadership development program designed specifically for school principals. 
 
The program is led by Barb Flowers, a current elementary principal, principal coach, and leadership consultant with a Ph.D. in K–12 Educational Leadership. The focus of the program is helping school leaders improve outcomes by identifying the highest-impact work, reducing unnecessary initiatives, and leading with greater clarity and focus.  

The program includes:  
* Monthly live coaching sessions 
* Ongoing leadership training and professional development 
* Access to practical tools, frameworks, and implementation resources 
* Collaboration with a community of school leaders facing similar challenges 
* Support in identifying and executing one high-impact leadership initiative 
 
One of the reasons I am interested in this program is its emphasis on helping principals become stronger instructional leaders. By learning how to eliminate distractions, prioritize the most important work, and focus leadership efforts on what has the greatest impact, principals can spend more time supporting teaching and learning. 

This increased focus helps create stronger instructional systems, more effective staff support, and ultimately improved student achievement. I believe the program aligns well with our district's goals around instructional leadership, student success, and continuous improvement. 
 
The investment is $850.  Would the district be willing to consider sponsoring my participation in this program? 
 
Thank you for your consideration. 

 Sincerely, 
 {Your Name}
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  • Preferred option
    Subscription (ongoing) ($200.00/mnth)$200.00/mo
  • Preferred option
    One-time payment ($850.00)$850.00

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