This is the time of year when educators are going back to school. For many teachers, there has been time over the summer to rest, recharge, and plan for the upcoming year. The lucky ones were able to squeeze in vacation! For principals and other education leaders, there may not have been much of a break since the last school year. Between ending the school year, running summer school, hiring staff, participating in training, and preparing for back to school, there was probably very little time to mentally prepare for the new school year.
What happens when educational leaders do not enter the school year fresh and rejuvenated? They may find themselves easily frustrated, running short on creative ideas, and thinking of an exit plan! The school year will run much more smoothly if campus and district leaders are ready for a fresh start. Here are a couple of ways for beginning the school year with a fresh mindset:
Find an hour to spend in quiet reflection about your past school year. Time to reflect as a leader is rare due to interruptions and demands. Without thinking about a particular report or "get-better plan", think about what went well during the school year and what didn't go so well. What were your celebrations? How do you feel about how you personally responded to the situations and problems that you faced? How can you do better personally? How can you strengthen your team?
Begin reading a book to help you with your personal growth. The book that you select does not necessarily have to be about leadership or about education. Find an area that you would like to grow in and find a book that can help you grow in that area. Read the first couple of chapters, highlight, take notes, and make a plan for progress. Plan to finish the book before the school year is over.
Take a day off. This is a real day off. No phone calls, emails, or reports for work. This probably has to be a weekend, but leaders need the time to disengage. It's bonus points for turning it into a "stay-cation" and spending the night in a nice hotel with a swimming pool!
Find a professional coach. A leadership coach can help leaders to find their strengths and weaknesses using an objective viewpoint. They can guide the leader as they begin the school year and support them throughout the course of the school year.
Students and staff will appreciate a refreshed and rejuvenated leader. The new school year is a new beginning for everyone, including the leader!
If you are interested in personal leadership coaching, send me a quick note and we can talk!