The Essential Balance

Every day, school leaders face stress, problems, decisions, and conversations that impact people, systems or culture within the school.  In my time as an intern and as a school leader, I quickly identified that time management and stress levels present formidable obstacles to staying healthy and maintaining balance in one’s life.  It is vitally important that school leaders establish time into their schedule and places within the school where they can clear their minds, settle their nerves, and renew their vigor needed to effectively lead a school.  Not only is having “outlets” and balance important for good school leadership, but it maintains and promotes healthy personal and family lives.

I don’t say this to discourage anyone from entering school leadership, but the stress levels and time requirements of the position are incredibly great at times.  As a school leader and intern, I have found that the responsibilities, problems, and stresses of the job oftentimes come home.  I have had many conversations with school leaders about their methods of balancing work and personal life.  The repeated message that is relayed back to me is the importance of healthy practices and balance outside the school.  These activities can directly impact and benefit job performance.  Working out, setting a time where the leader leaves the school, and seeking opportunities for professional growth are all positive practices that benefit not only the principal personally, but also their ability to effectively and positively lead the school.  I have learned from a principal that it is important to surround yourself with positive peers at work in order to assist in supporting a culture of positive leadership.

A great way to reenergize oneself and provide a personal/work balance as the school leader is to model positive practices for the staff of the school.  Some ideas that I have seen and experienced are school sponsored exercise classes, yoga classes, book groups, and art classes.  All of these activities allow for school leaders to balance their weekly activities, promote positive growth and experience a peaceful atmosphere while setting an example for teachers to follow.  This encourages a school culture of self-awareness.  From personal experience, it is important to be proactive in establishing these activities and habits before job responsibilities and stresses become hard to bear.  Remember, that in the end, this balancing act not only benefits you, your personal life and your family, but also maintains and improves your ability to serve the students, teachers and stakeholders of the school.

-W