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In today’s episode, I want to talk about three mistakes that principals make in the back-to-school season. That’s all coming up next, right here on The Principal’s Handbook. Stay tuned.

Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal. Tune in each week as we delve into strategies for boosting mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness.

From tackling daily challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I’m Barb Flowers. We’ll navigate the complexities of school leadership together. Join me in fostering your sense of purpose as a principal and reigniting your passion for the job. Welcome to a podcast where your well-being is the top priority.

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we’re talking about three mistakes that principals make in the back-to-school season. Whether you’re already in school or getting ready to go back, this is a great topic because the back-to-school season can be a really stressful time for principals. There’s a lot of pressure to ensure everything is ready for a smooth start, from getting teachers, students, and parents aligned to managing all the moving parts.

So, today I want to help you avoid some common mistakes. Let’s dive in.

Mistake #1: Wanting to Make Too Many Changes

The first mistake is being too eager to make changes. You may feel excited about implementing your ideas, especially if you’re new to the role, or maybe you have fresh ideas from your previous experience. But when you look at the building, you may feel like everything needs to change.

The problem is, if you try to change too many things at once, both you and your staff will get overwhelmed. You’ll find that nothing gets the focus it needs. You need to narrow down your initiatives and focus on what will have the most significant impact.

Take PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) as an example. It may seem like just one initiative for behavior, but it can have a huge impact on student achievement by creating an environment where students are better able to learn. Even if it’s already in place, it’s important to continually evaluate and improve upon it.

When I was a new principal, I made sure to honor previous initiatives, because it can be really frustrating for teachers when a new principal comes in and disregards what’s been working. If PBIS or any other initiative is already in place, respect it and look for ways to improve it. Even though it’s been implemented by several principals, that doesn’t mean it can’t continue growing.

Also, remember that teachers need a lot of professional development hours to truly grasp a new initiative. If you jump from one initiative to another, they won’t get the time they need to master it. This can lead to burnout, both for them and for you. So prioritize the initiatives that will make the biggest impact on your students, and make sure you’re giving everyone the time and space to implement them well.

If you haven’t listened to episode 39, go back and check it out. It was a great episode with Janice Pizzuto and Steven Carney on implementing school initiatives with impact.

Mistake #2: Trying to Do Everything Yourself

The second mistake is trying to do everything yourself. I was definitely guilty of this when I was a new principal. I’m an action taker, so if someone had an idea, I wanted to take the lead and get it done. The problem with this is that I ended up with too much on my plate, which led to a lot of stress.

As a leader, you need to delegate and empower others to take the lead. If a teacher has an idea, let them lead it! But also, be mindful that not all ideas are sustainable. Sometimes, ideas are so elaborate that they’re not feasible in the long term. If a teacher leaves or the initiative isn’t sustainable, it can fall apart quickly.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I was an assistant principal. I tried to take on too many things to help teachers, but in doing so, I inadvertently undermined their sense of ownership. For example, when I started planning department meetings for a teacher who had been the department chair for years, she was offended. She felt that I didn’t trust her to do her job, which wasn’t my intention at all.

So be careful not to overstep. While you might think you’re helping, it’s important to ensure that teachers have ownership of their roles. Delegate tasks to staff who can take leadership in certain areas, whether it’s your secretaries or teachers with leadership skills. Empowering others not only reduces your stress, but it helps build their leadership capacity as well.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Take Care of Yourself

The final mistake I want to highlight is neglecting your own well-being. If you’re constantly focused on others and putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, burnout is inevitable.

I’ve been there. I kept pushing myself, thinking I was fine, until one day it hit me hard, and I had a panic attack. That’s when I realized I had reached the point of burnout. It’s easy to think you’re managing everything well until you’re not.

I encourage you to check in with yourself regularly to make sure you’re not overburdened. Prioritize your health—get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well. It’s easy to skip meals or grab fast food, but taking care of yourself should be non-negotiable. You’re the leader, and your health impacts not only your work but also your ability to support your staff and your family.

For more on this, check out episode 44 on unlocking the power of sleep for optimal leadership, and episode 45 on the power of movement for principals. Both focus on maintaining your health as a key part of your leadership role.

Recap:

• Mistake #1: Trying to change too many things at once. Focus on clear priorities that will make the biggest impact.

• Mistake #2: Doing everything yourself. Delegate, empower others, and ensure ideas are sustainable.

• Mistake #3: Forgetting to take care of yourself. Prioritize your health to avoid burnout and be the best leader you can be.

As we move into the back-to-school season, whether you’ve already started or you’re about to, I encourage you to be mindful of these mistakes. If you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills and find balance in your role, I’m here to support you.

I offer one-on-one coaching tailored to your specific needs, focusing on both personal and professional development. Leadership isn’t just about professional skills; it’s about managing your mindset and how you handle challenges. I can help you create goals and hold you accountable.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, click the link in the show notes to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential and create positive change in your school community.

And, if you love the show, please leave a review on Apple. You have the power to shape your life with the mindset you choose.

Have a great week, and I’ll see you next time.