EP 15 “Reminder: Your Job Is Not Your Life” Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“You will like your job more, and have more happiness in your life, if your life is bigger than your work.” - Sage In the concluding episode of our 15-part series, we delve into the theme of crafting an identity beyond our professional roles. I share insights from my own journey, transitioning from a decade-long career in school counseling, and the profound self-discoveries that came with it. To wrap up, I offer a reflective exercise designed to encourage you to contemplate your identity beyond work. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk: Exploring the deep connection between...
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EP 14 “Your Communication Can Be a Superpower or a Toxin” Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“People are messy. Human beings are complicated. We're big balls of feelings and reactivity. So communication is really hard, it's nuanced. It has subtlety, it has artistry. But it also has skills that can be learned.” - Sage In this episode, we delve into the essence of communication and the art of doing it effectively. I share the tenets of the Communication for Connection framework so you can have a tangible tool to implement in your crucial roles. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk: What it means to communicate for connection 5 key components of this...
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EP 13 "This Job Is Impossible!" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“Yes, you have to attend to this crazy job and all that comes up. But, how you attend to all the things matters.” - Sage In this episode, we look at what we can do to counter the endless things that get thrown at you as a principal. I emphasize the critical nature of HOW you tackle your various responsibilities and obstacles and why it’s essential to deliberately make time to embrace and appreciate the joy inherent in your role. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk: The importance of HOW you address everything on your plate Cultivating your emotional...
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EP 12 "Leading Schools in Politically Charged Times" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“I've heard again and again [leaders] wondering how to manage supervising school events if it becomes legal for parents to carry guns to these events. Again, there's no training on this.” - Sage In this episode, I highlight the pressures of polarizing cultural events using a real example of a principal who navigated the controversy of a Black Lives Matter poster in a teacher's classroom. As we touch upon modern dilemmas faced by educators, I remind you that school leaders are tasked with dealing with WAY more than most graduate programs provide in terms of conflict resolution...
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EP 11 "I'm Drowning and Overwhelmed!" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“...If you really were in danger and facing down a lion, you would be breathing heavily, probably out of your mouth. So, when we breathe deeply through our nose, we can automatically send a message to our body that we’re safe. We're okay.” - Sage In this episode we talk about what you can do right now to mitigate feeling like you're drowning in your job. I give three “nuggets” to try in your day- to-day and, as always, leave you with a reminder of how ridiculously important the work you do is! Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk: We reiterate the...
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Episode 10 "Non-Defensiveness: The 3rd Thing that Will Improve Your Leadership" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“Often folks just need to be heard, and oftentimes it's not about you or something you did wrong, or even something that's inside of your control.” - Sage In episodes 7 and 9 I talked about the first two themes I’ve noticed that will improve your ability to lead well. Today, we're tackling the third theme… and it’s a tricky one. Our focus is on non-defensiveness—mastering the art of receiving feedback without taking it personally. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk: Being a “punching bag” for angry parents. How do you, as a leader, handle...
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EP 9: "Recognition: The 2nd Thing That Will Make You a Better Leader" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“In my work with leaders, I make it a point to give them clear and specific recognition when I see them utilizing a new skill, like courageous communication or self-compassion.” - Sage In this episode we follow up on our theme from episode seven: This One Thing Will Make You a Better Leader. We discuss the importance of authentic recognition and what it means to you, your staff, and anyone you interact with in your role as a principal. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk: The (evidence-based) importance of authentic recognition. Tailoring recognition to...
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EP 8 "Remember to Have FUN!" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“Something that a lot of educators enjoy inside of the classroom is creating things to do with their students and their learners. And then they get into administration and it doesn't always feel creative anymore.” - Sage In this episode we emphasize the transformative power of fun and discuss strategies for intentionally infusing enjoyment into our work. Moreover, we advocate for maintaining an open mind, embracing the potential to infuse elements of fun into various aspects of our professional lives. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk Having fun isn't just an...
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EP 7 "This One Thing Will Make You a Better Leader" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“You've heard about active listening. BUT, knowing something vs. doing something are different. You know this as an educator… our knowledge and behaviours don't always match” - Sage In this episode we discuss the importance of honing the skill of genuine listening, offering practical tips to bridge the gap between comprehension and application. Additionally, we examine techniques for tangibly demonstrating that you've truly heard someone. Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk The world is distracting! Really listening to what people are saying can be hard, but it's...
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EP 6 "I Have to Find Coverage, AGAIN!" Pep Talk
Principal Pep Talks
“Don't go it alone and reinvent the wheel… The more constrained we feel, the more we think we just need to double down and figure it out.” - Sage In this episode we talk about a situation that's likely all too familiar: the challenge of finding coverage. What are ways that you can work through this issue not only in the moment, but in future situations as well? Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk The teacher shortage is REAL. What you can do to navigate a coverage issue (for the school’s sake and for your own wellbeing) How can fostering great colleague...
info_outlineThe “Get Out of Your Office!” Pep Talk
“We're not looking for perfection, we’re not looking for some dreamy pie in the sky, that's not what the pep talks are about. The pep talks are about reminding you what you already know is important.” - Sage
“Rally support. I don't suggest doing anything in leadership alone. So rally your resources in your community. Rally support.” - Sage
In this episode, we explore the idea of stepping outside your office to reinvigorate and draw inspiration from the diverse individuals and resources within your educational community.
Key takeaways from today’s Pep Talk:
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Challenges of being TRAPPED to your desk and emails
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How to break free and get out of your office
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How to enlist support (and counter isolation)
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Create principal peer groups
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Bookend your day with an “out of your office” habit
Connect and find more resources:
The Principal Leadership Program
Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation
Let’s connect on LinkedIn too!
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