Continuous Renewal

As a leader, one is overwhelmed with the amount of work. If you are not working on you own projects, you are usually helping someone else. I have learned over the past couple of years, from my principal and personal experience, that it is impossible to do your job well if you are burned out. In order to not get burned out, you need to pick your battles.

In the book, Leadership Connectors, the authors mention picking your battles as an administrator or teacher. If you knitpick every single thing, it is nearly impossible to stay positive and renewed throughout the entire school year. Many battles can be avoided just by being a good listener. Many parents that come complain just want someone to listen to them. Lending an ear may be the best way sometimes to keep from a confrontation.

Also, an a teacher or administrator, you need to keep a healthy balance between work and personal life. It is difficult to not get too caught up in the job, but that will also lead to burn out. It is important to keep yourself and your family as a focus. Many things can wait until the following day, however, there are nights that you will be working late on things that need to be dealt with right away. The key is to make sure you give yourself time to refocus and re-energize.

Sometimes the keys to being an effective leader are challenging to follow. Sitting back and listening is not always the easiest tactic. Making sure to take time to focus on yourself and your family seems impossible with the work load. It is important to do these things to make sure you can do the best job possible everyday.