A recent email from a Head of School included the line “I haven’t had much of a summer.” I’ve heard from many Heads of their long days, working weekends, and sleepless nights- worrying about so many issues confronting their communities as we all get ready to begin the school year. It has been a strange and uncomfortable experience- and not the restful, rejuvenating summertime that Heads desperately need!
So I’ve been thinking about what Heads of Schools can do to maintain wellness, preserve their sanity, and move through the fall with mental and physical health. With their reality being packed schedules and all kinds of interruptions, Heads need wellness strategies that are quick, flexible, and adaptable. Boards members also need to be focused on Head well-being to ensure their Head can be the most effective leader as possible. Board members should talk with their Head of School about what they need, and when possible, and can support by paying for these strategies! When I was a Head of School, one of the most thoughtful gifts my Board gave to me was a gift certificate for a day at the spa. It recognized my need for stress reduction and self-care and was something I could fit into my own schedule. Boards need to be thinking about what would be most beneficial for their own school leaders. Here are five wellness practices that have been shown to be effective-I welcome ideas for others!!
2. Maintain your exercise routine! This one is up to you to determine- as exercise is so individualized.
3. Become even more organized. Heads have to be organized to accomplish even half of what is on their to-do lists. In my experience, everyone can learn and use new strategies for daily time, work, and energy organization.
4. Work with a leadership coach. Being a Head of School can be lonely, overwhelming, and isolating (even as you are surrounded by people!). Engaging with an unbiased and experienced person who can help you 1) examine your school’s situation from a different perspective, 2) clarify your personal and professional goals, and 3) strategize problems and solutions, can lead to clarity and peace of mind.
5. Take time for more extensive self-care. This is also very individualized. What feels caring and rejuvenating to you? Research is very clear that when we disconnect from our daily issues, rest our brains, and engage in non-work pursuits, we return more energized and clear-thinking. This is not indulgence, this is what will enable you to be a better Head of School. Board members- what can you offer to your Head of School? Here are some ideas (some of which will need to wait until we are no longer physically distancing- some of which can be done now!):
Heads of Schools have even more on their plates than usual right now. In order to be the most effective leader for their community, Heads need to ensure that they are physically healthy and emotionally well. This takes time and attention. Health and wellness for the Head of School needs to be a priority for both the Head and their supporting Boards.
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Brooke CarrollWrites about small school leadership and governance Archives
March 2021
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