We are taught from a very young age, and we still teach kids today, that if we are upset, it’s because somebody else has done something to make us feel that way. Now, if you’re a regular listener, you will be familiar with the STEAR Cycle, essentially the concept that how we feel has nothing to do with anybody else but everything to do with our thoughts.

When something happens in our lives, that is a circumstance, and every circumstance is completely neutral. However, when we are in the heat and stress that school leadership can bring, it’s easy to lose sight of what is a circumstance (a fact) and what is our opinion about a circumstance (a thought). When these wires get crossed, we are not acting with the integrity required from a school leader.

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We have now reached September, which means your kids are settling in and you’re starting to see how your staff for this year is shaking up to be. So with that in mind, the topic for the podcast this month is team-building.

When you’re building your various teams for the year and deciding who belongs where and who will work well together, there is so much to consider. And that’s not even the whole challenge. Building a great team is one thing, but what’s the secret to nurturing your team in a way that they are self-sufficient but they also respect you as their leader?

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On the podcast this month we’ve been discussing the organization of your physical and mental space, and today I have a slightly different approach for you guys. This work is great for creating an organized work environment, but also provides an incredible level of mental clarity which will make every area of your job that little bit easier.

Essentialism and minimalism are an absolute must as a school leader. It’s so easy to get caught up in the belief that you need to be everywhere, doing everything for everybody, and have everything to hand that you might need on a day-to-day basis. However helpful you think that may make you as a principal, you’re never going to be as effective if you spread yourself too thin.

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We are into August now and that means that you’re getting back into the office and you’re starting to be consumed by work again. Now, there seem to be two types of people in this situation – those who are full of enthusiasm and energy, and those who are a little bit more resentful that their vacation time is over and they’re back to the grind.

Luckily for you listeners, I have been both of these characters in the past, and I’m thrilled to tell you that even if you’re feeling down about the school year starting up again, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to having a stressful year. I can’t wait for you to learn how to start the year with an empowered mindset, instead of dreading what’s to come.

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How much thought have you given to your legacy as a school leader? What do you really want people to remember you for? Do you want to be remembered as an inspiring leader who brings spirits up? Maybe you see yourself contributing something to your school, like raising money for a new playground.

Whatever your legacy looks like to you, the people around you are already making up their mind about how they will remember your work as their principal. The beauty is, we have the opportunity to choose our legacy with intention, through the actions we take every single day. Nobody is going to help you with this one – it’s all on you!

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