Superintendent Year 2 (Take A Break)
Last month I shared some thoughts on the relationship between the board and the superintendent. One of the things that has also helped me, and I am not sure I shared, is I have parameters set for communications. I make myself available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is my window for my team as well. I do this so I can still have family time and me time. Now, if there is an emergency of any sort we address it at that time regardless of the time. I am sharing this because I want to remind us all about taking care of yourself on this journey, especially as a leader.
We are constantly pulled in so many directions by so many competing interests and people. Over the years I have gotten better, not perfect, at not getting pulled in so many directions. I think that is part of self care and prioritizing yourself as you serve others. I have learned how to slow down, process, breathe, reflect and then respond, if needed. The younger version of me ran 110 mph and did not take care of herself while trying to lead. Oftentimes I would wear myself out and be down for the count at least twice a year because my body could not continue at the pace I was moving and I was really unhealthy (we will talk about that at a later time). So what have I learned and what have I done differently?
I have learned that it is ok to separate and get away. Recently I had the opportunity to leave the country and take a trip. It was so good to unplug and not have to think about work, life, tomorrow or deadlines. It was just time to relax, tour, eat and sleep. Priceless. Other times when a trip is not on the agenda I stay home and pour into myself. This is at times the most precious time I have because I get to lounge around, read or binge shows or just do nothing. I think we feel guilty sometimes for making intentional, or unintentional, time to practice self care. I am here to tell you that the ONLY way you can do this work is by prioritizing yourself while serving and supporting others.
One thing I have done differently and consistently as a superintendent over the last year is to exercise. I have been working out for the last few years but I learned that I had to grind harder and eat better. The grind has been real and life changing. I found a new passion in running. I have taken part in some 5k and 10k runs. I am even preparing for a half marathon which I have not done in about 20 years. I never knew I needed this outlet to be a better leader. I think the push and challenge of running has helped me persevere in my role as a superintendent. I tell myself daily, I can do hard things....especially as I complete these runs. I am not suggesting you must be a runner, jogger or walker but I am suggesting that you must find your niche that encourages you and pushes you to be the best version of yourself.
In finding the best version of myself, I also have learned how to reinvent my relationship with food. If you know me, you know I love food and food loves me right back! However I have found the balance that best serves me and my health. Over the last year I have changed my eating habits which has positively impacted my body and in turn my mind. This change has played a vital part in how I see myself and how I treat myself. Again, I think this is critical to any role in leadership and in education. I think we give, give and give some more but fail to take care of ourselves in the process.
One thing that I do for my staff is model my expectations. I set the parameters that help me but I also expect them to set them for themselves as well. Any time we have a break I send a "gentle reminder" to the entire staff to shut down and take care of themselves. This means they will not receive emails or text messages from me or other leaders in the district. I even tell them to not work on anything Buna ISD. This has helped people come back from a long weekend or a long break refreshed and ready to work. I think the permission to exhale and the expectation to relax is powerful. I know our team (teachers, custodians, administrators, drivers, food services, etc) works extremely hard but I do not want them to burn out nor do I want them to not take care of themselves as they serve our students and families. I think this has contributed to our culture and climate as well. People need to know that we see them and their hard work but they also need to know that we know they need to relax and refresh. As a leader I make sure to say it outloud and model my expectations in the process.
My hope is that as you read this blog you think about what you need to do to practice self care. We all have our careers and lives but what good is it if we are not able to enjoy the journey or make it through to retirement. I am learning to live life now and appreciate every moment of my career and my life. I know my district and team love and appreciate me but I also know that if I die today they will grieve but they will also post the job. I know that sounds morbid but that is the nature of the cycle we are in. So I challenge you to live life to the fullest, excel in your craft and your career but also invest in yourself by being intentional about refreshing and restoring yourself. You deserve no less. ;)
Continue to #InspireExcellence
