Monday Moanin Thoughts #55 Two Simple Strategies To Become More Effective

It is hard to believe that this is the final Monday Moanin of January 2013. Over the last the few weeks I have met with many school administrators who have shared some frustration about not getting their instructional leadership strategies done during their day. They shared that management issues are consuming most of their time and energy. During our discussions I suggested two doable strategies to become a more productive instructional leader. Give these a try.

First focus on listing specific appointments and actions to  your calendar. Do not list general appointments. For example if you want to conduct classroom walkthroughs from 9:00-10:00 am.  Try listing them like this:

9:00-9:15 Ms. Smith walkthrough

9:20-9:35 Mr. Jones walkthrough

When you enter them into your calendar as a specific appointment it may bemore difficult to adjust your schedule to a non instructional item.Leaders making this adjustment from general to specific entries are becoming more productive. They still have flexibility in their day and they are getting the important strategies done. Put more time and focus into planning your calendar.

The second strategy is so doable and yet many leaders struggle with this. Work away from your office. Plan times during the day to not be working in your office. Consider conducting business in other areas of the building. For instance , some leaders take some of their paperwork to the Media Center. They become more visible and they are not picking up minor issues that seem to get dumped on them if they are in their office. If it’s an emergency they will find you. Get out of your office!

Over the next week give these strategies a try. I believe you will begin to feel better about what you are accomplishing during your day. Good luck!

Quote of the week:

“Leadership is a privilege – not a right. Don’t become so enamored with the perks that you forget the purpose-to serve others.” ~S. Max Brown

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