THE HEALTHY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Take Good Care of Yourself
If there is any common advice among the plethora of books , blogs , and workshops about leadership , it is that the leaders have to take good care of themselves . I once worked for a president of a major university who advised me “ to hire healthy people .” The president was not talking about one ’ s resting heartrate , but rather about working with people who had a balanced perspective on work , life , and relationships .
Ask any one of us who has served , and we all will tell you that being a Head is a lonely job . Those fortunate to have a loving spouse or partner know the value in being able to share some of the trials and tribulations at school . As Heads , we often play the role of active listener for the faculty and staff with whom we work . Finding that active listener for ourselves is fundamental to developing a healthy perspective on work issues .
“ As Heads , we often play the role of active listener for the faculty and staff with whom we work . Finding that active listener for ourselves is fundamental to developing a healthy perspective on work issues .”
The Leader ’ s Balanced Lifestyle
It goes without saying that finding interests outside of work is an essential component for all leaders . For some Heads , it is physical exercise . Others find respite in assorted variety of hobbies like gardening , meditation , birding , volunteering at a local non-profit , or travel . Whatever your choice , the research is clear that you will be a more effective Head if you have outside interests to balance out the demands of leading a school .
The Power of Social Media versus the Head ’ s Office
It is quite natural and understandable that Heads of School become deeply committed to their schools . When things go awry , there is always a tendency for the leader to wonder if they could have done something more to ensure a different outcome . As leaders , we often overestimate the power of the Head ’ s Office , voice , or influence . Given the ubiquitous influence and 24-hour presence of social media , Heads need to be realistic in not just developing a strategy to resolve conflict , but also to recognize that the best organized and thoughtfully developed plans may be derailed by unpredictable circumstances .
Get Support Outside the School
One cannot help but notice the increased number of Heads ’ contracts that now include provisions for mental health support . Agreeing in advance that the school will provide the Head both the time and financial support for a professional coach or certified mental
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CSEE Connections Spring 2023 Page 11