No Excuses Leadership

Like Clock Work

In my work with school leaders, I come across a common mistake that continues to hinder the relationships they are trying to develop on campus . . . the lack of presence in the classroom.  Too many principals say things like, “I’m going to try to get into classrooms today” or “I wish I could get out of my office more.”  Trying and wishing won’t make it happen!  You have to plan your presence.  Even the best administrators are being overcome by the minutiae of emails, phone calls, and pop in visits.  Their unintentionality is destroying the opportunities that await them outside the doors of the office. Whether it be students, parents, or staff members, develop a schedule that in built around your interaction with the most important stakeholders among you.

TAKE ACTION

Set aside time in your day, every day, to be present in the relationships that are most important on campus.  Use the tools you’ve learned in our last post about listening as you carry on conversations with students about what they're learning.  Share your support for a teacher who just presented a lesson as a skilled practitioner that everyone should see in action.  Doing so will remind you that being present isn't something that “just happens”, it’s something worthy of being scheduled like clock work.

BE BOLD

This article spotlights the importance of "seeing daily practice daily".
The Power of Observation