Educational Discourse

As the week came to an end, I had a meeting with my area suprintendent regarding a recent administration survey that my staff had completed and sent in. Now, like almost everyone that I know, I was a bit nervous but I knew that no matter what the outcome, I was ready to get on with the recommendations that came out of it and go through the renewal process.

The surveys were positive but there were some areas that definitely came through as areas that I need to improve. The first thing that I have learned about such surveys is that I must, without exception, get past the personal feelings that I have and not worry about any comments that are personal in nature or deal with any “gossip”. That is difficult but necessary for growth to begin.

The first thing that came through loud and clear was I have “too many irons in the fire.” to borrow a cliche. As I reflected on the comments that were linked to this one, I realized that they were all true. So, my superintendent and I decided that I really needed to decide which ones were top priorities and which ones were at the point that they needed to be handed off to someone else. This has always been a weak-point for me, taking on too much. The result is that, in trying to get all things done, I stop taking care of myself, which, in the end, leads to an eventual “blunder” . You’d think I’d have learned by now!! So as I drove home, I began to list my involvements and their “me” importance.

1. Self and family – this is usually on a declining slope so, again, it needs to be returned to the top.

2. Students, staff and parents – here is one where I really need to delegate more often. So there are a few things that I will be asking about and finding out their importance in relation to student and staff. I will need to list the main objectives for the school and then decide where I am needed and where others can lead.

3. School division – this is where I sometimes get caught in offering to do too much. I’ve a few commitments but I know that I can hand off a few things as my time is up.

4. Teacher’s Association – Here is where I’ve added a few too many things and need to back off. I’d love to continue in my role but I need to let others have their turn.

5. Community Invovlement – I have a few things going here and need to decide which 1 I will be willing to put my time into. The others will have to go on without me – if that is possible

My superintendent has suggested that for some of the areas that deal directly with relations, I keep a daily journal to reflect on what happens each day. I thought this was a great idea but am trying to decide if I go electronic or hard copy. I’m still not sure. I have also decided that in order to demonstrate to the staff that I appreciate their constructive criticism, I am going to thank them, via email, for their comments, insights and concern that came through in the survey. I think they need to know that I see this as a positive activity and will continue to ask for thier insights in order to become a better administrator just as I will continue to give them my insights in the hope they will improve themselves.

I’ve made a few observations since doing the survey. There are those who don’t trust that what they say will not be used against them. The survey is anonymous but there was a concern that handwriting would be recognized so the surveys went directly to the superintendent. This way, people say whatever they wanted without fear of reprizal. According to the superintendent, there was one person who took this too heart – but the rest really did work on providing constructive criticism which, as leaders, we need to have to be as effective as we can.

Today, as I have spent the first weekend in months with my kids and family, I realize that I really do need to slow down. The information from the evaluation has pointed out that it is obvious to some that I’ve overloaded. As much as I’d like to believe that I’m bigger than human, that only happens in the movies and comics. So, being reminded that I don’t own a cape and can’t fly is good. I am appreciative for people being honest and critical.

During this weekend, I’ll take time to decide where my energy will be best dispersed, after my family and self. So, as I hear my lettle boy begin to stir, I will close off. I’ve an appointment to go outside in order to do some water moving. Should be messy and fun. Just what I need after the past two weeks – time with the important people in my life.