It has been a while (last March to be exact) since I have written a blog post and I was asked the other day when I might start contributing again. Life has been extremely busy but sitting outside in the cool 70-degree air on my back patio this morning I was motivated to write about maintaining perspective and calm in the superintendency.
The position of superintendent has never been more challenging than it is today. A polarized political environment is leading to situations that are more extreme, which means superintendents have less time to spend on academic issues.
Today, I want to provide a couple of ways that superintendents can refocus on what is important, which leads to gaining perspective and resulting in calm.
Visual Reminders
One of the best ways to refocus your attention is to place visual reminders of students in your office. As a superintendent, I had two 3’ x 3’ self-portraits, one of Jesus and the other of Pricilla, which hung on the wall opposite my desk. Whenever I looked up the first thing I saw was these two wonderful self-portraits which refocused me on what was important. The perspective and calm this generated in challenging times was priceless.
Hope or Humor
Another way to refocus your attention and that of your team is to start off your cabinet meetings a quick “Hope or Humor” story. Someone from the team shares a quick student story which instills hope or focuses upon a humorous event. Although this might seem insignificant, it sets the mood for the meeting and refocuses everyone on why we do what we do in as educators.
Give
One of the best ways to achieve perspective in our lives is to give to others. When we give, we are forced to focus on the other person’s needs which centers us as individuals. I believe most superintendents give of their time in some way, shape or form, as an example, helping to cook for the staff breakfast, or leading the backpack giveaway for needy students, or running the chains at a football game, but are these one-off events, or do we commit to giving on a regular basis?
Of course we can also give of our resources if we feel compelled. I am sure many superintendents do this too. I remember one time paying the first month’s rent for a new teacher moving in from out of state who was struggling financially. He never knew who offered this blessing and it not only benefitted him, but me too.
I know there are many different ways to refocus on what is important in the superintendency and the key is to be purposeful in pursuing what works for you. As stated above, the job is tough and if we do not find ways to gain perspective we end up on the road to burnout. My hope is that if you currently do not have a plan to achieve perspective, which leads to peace, you will develop one today. It is important for your sustainability and success as a superintendent.
If you have methods that you have found to be successful in achieving perspective as a superintendent, I encourage you to place them in the comments section below. Remember, we all gain when we share and learn from each other.