Finish Strong is the perfect mantra for this time of the year!
As we come to the final weeks of the year, we are often running low on reserves. However, saying or doing something ‘dumb’ at this time of the year, wipes out all of the good work that you have done throughout 2024.
Here are 10 tips for school leaders to ensure you finish the year well.
1. Keep perspective – It is easy to catastrophise at this time of the year and make issues bigger than they need to be. Try to stop and ask yourself the question , “Will this matter in a year’s time?” If it will, focus and give it time. If it won’t, calmly give it the attention it deserves and then move on to higher priorities.
2. “This too will pass!” – When feeling frustrated with a situation or person, try to be aware of calming your breathing, practising your patience and thinking, “This too will pass!” as a mantra in your head.
3. Find at least THREE things to praise every day – at this time of year everyone is running low on reserves. This often leads to people being negative. Try to be the most positive person on staff. Aim to find at least three people to praise each day. This approach helps you to be positive and upbeat. Attitudes are contagious, especially the leader’s. Make sure your attitude is worth spreading.
4. Get out of the office – whilst there is always lots to do that will fill your day, it is vital to be visible and have a presence in classrooms, staffroom and the playground. Look for key times of the day to get out of the office and connect with people.
5. Prioritise – Focus on essential tasks that align with end-of-year goals, leaving non-urgent projects for later.
6. Set Limits – At this time of year it can feel like the work is never ending and there is so much to get done. Set a deadline for leaving each day. This helps to keep you focused on the important things that HAVE to get done and reduce procrastination.
7. Exercise – At this time of the year, when people are crazy busy and have a full diary, one of the things they stop doing is exercising. However, for both your physical and mental health, the best thing that you can do is to continue your exercise routine, whether that is walking the dog, gym or swimming, keep doing it!
8. Reflect on your successes – take a couple of minutes to reflect on things that have gone well this year and where progress has been made. Often we are quick to identify ‘areas for improvement’ but don’t take enough time celebrating our successes.
9. Attend the staff end of year social function – Whilst some leaders say they, “Don’t like to socialize with their staff”, schools are people places. A disconnect between the staff and the leaders is a warning sign about the culture within the school. Us and THEM is a slippery slope. The end of year function is a chance for a more relaxed interaction, to meet their significant other and connect in a non-school environment. Relax – be real – be you! Find out about other people, their plans for the holidays and how the year has been for them. Don’t be afraid to let your guard down and share part of your life with them too! Be professional, of course but also be you.
10. Leave before things get messy – whilst social functions can be fun, I like to follow the advice in the song lyric, “Nothing good happens after midnight!” It is usually pretty obvious when things are starting to get a little loose. This is the time to leave.
P.S. – Finish Strong is the title of the only Happy School article that we repeat each year. We reprint that article EVERY year – It’s that important!