School's Out! What are you doing?
Summer is the time educators use to relax and rejuvenate. It is indeed another opportunity to reflect on the previous year and plan for the year ahead.
You can prepare your teams and students for a successful school year by taking this time to reflect and strategize. Here are a few things you may want to add to your summer to-do list.
Re-define the mission
The best action plans have a clear mission and vision. Steps to achieve the mission are outlined and communicated to all team members. You must: (1) Define your goals. What will success look like when you reach these goals? (2) Identify priority action items to attain your goals. (3) Practice saying “No”. Have a laser-like focus to achieving goals and be willing to stand up to people or actions that stand in the way of success. (4) Be innovative. Think about ways to leverage your strengths to help your school progress. (5) Develop a calendar to outline your work. Be sure your team knows their role in the use of this calendar.
Identify your team’s Eagles.
Think about those high flyers, those who rock each and every day. How can you support these Eagles and push them to even greater heights? How can you use these Eagles to support other team members to reach your goals? Use the summer to make plans to maximize their greatness through sharing and collaboration opportunities. Great leaders know how to push and support these Eagles. Our Eagles help us support those who struggle.
Take your temperature. What’s your culture like?
How do you describe the culture of your school? How do others describe the culture of the school? Do students feel safe? Do teachers feel supported? Is communication evident? Does your school have a welcoming, learning-centered environment?
If the responses to these questions are not positive for you, identify a few steps you can take to change your school’s narrative. Teachers who feel supported perform. Students who feel safe and connected at school are cooperative, engaged, and achieve more.
Changing culture takes time. Connect with all stakeholders. Spend time with all, asking questions, listening and affirming their perspectives. Great leaders give voice to all stakeholders in their decision making.
If you desire to change behaviors, you must engage in consistent practice, repetition, and modeling. Collaborate with all to create a plan for the first 2-3 weeks of the school year. Create checkpoints and celebrate often to keep the goals at the forefront.
You are Important! Find Work-Life Balance.
Burnout is real! You cannot pour from an empty cup. Work-life balance is key, for your health and your effectiveness. Do not leave this step off your summer to-do list. Include your family and self-care on your calendar and consider them non-negotiables. Encourage your team to follow your example.
Look in the Mirror! Seek Feedback and Reflect.
Having an open mind to feedback and recommendations is necessary for continued growth. Good leaders are open to feedback on their performance and how they may better support their teams. Listening to others' critiques improves your effectiveness and the unity of your team.
Seek coaching for yourself! It is important to practice humility and maintain a growth mindset. Everyone benefits from feedback and support from others. Our output and impact is strengthened when pushed to reach our maximum potential.
Great Leaders spend time reflecting. Think about what has gone well and what might need additional attention. Remember, sharing your mission and plans for continuous improvement is a must. Utilize your
top performers by elevating their skill sets to support the work of the team. Determine steps you’ll take during the first weeks of school to ensure your school culture is positive. Lastly, don’t forget to seek feedback, coaching and plan for work-life balance. Relaxation and family time should definitely be on your summer to-do list. By planning for the items discussed here, you will plan for a more successful and less stressful school year!
