Balance: When to Turn it Off

Taj Jensen is a Guest Writer for Everyday Principal, Director for Tacoma Public Schools, Co-Founder of School Turnaround, ASCD Faculty, and 2015 Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year.

Regardless of industry, striking a healthy work/life balance is not only a matter of maximizing productivity, but also paramount to living your best life. When balance is found you will be a better you for yourself and for those you serve. Guest Writer, Taj Jensen, will share nuggets of Bite Sized Leadership on this important topic over the next several weeks. Stay connected to Everyday Principal as you move to and through this pivotal time of year for all school leaders. Most leaders do not need to be told when to turn it on, but many need to be reminded when to turn it off.

As a school principal, one of the most demanding and rewarding roles in education, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. The responsibilities that come with this position can be all-consuming, but it is crucial to establish and uphold healthy “boundaries of availability” to ensure not only personal well-being but also the overall effectiveness of the school. As as recovering principal who did not strike a balance between their professional and person lives, my hope is that others will not replicate the mistakes that I and many before me have made. In simple terms, how to avoid allowing “the work” to define and consume your being.

The role of a school principal is multifaceted, encompassing administrative duties, staff management, student supervision, curriculum oversight, community engagement and overall keeper of the “kingdom." Principals are often seen as the face of the school, responsible for fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring student safety, and promoting academic excellence. While these responsibilities are undoubtedly significant, they can lead to an overextension of one's time and energy if boundaries are not established.

Healthy work/life balance can be the difference between burnout and a jubilant career.

One of the primary reasons for creating healthy boundaries is to protect one's personal well-being. Constantly being available and working long hours can lead to burnout, stress, and a decline in physical and mental health. Principals need time to rest, recharge, and focus on their own lives outside of school. Boundaries also play a crucial role in decision-making. A well-rested and balanced principal is more likely to make thoughtful and effective decisions, benefiting both students and staff. Without boundaries, fatigue and stress can cloud judgment and hinder problem-solving abilities. By setting clear boundaries, school principals can serve as positive role models for their staff and students. They demonstrate strategies that showcase the importance of work-life balance, self-care, and setting limits, which can lead to a healthier and more productive school community.

With that in mid, I want to share some very simple and easy to implement strategies for creating healthy boundaries. Don't try to implement every strategy all at once. Choose the low hanging fruit, the strategy that will be easiest for you to ignite change. Use that momentum to implement other strategies:

1. School principals should establish clear working hours and communicate them to staff, students, and parents. This delineates when they are available for work-related matters and when they are “off-duty."

2. Effective delegation is key to reducing the workload on principals. Empower assistant principals, department heads, and other staff members to handle certain tasks, allowing the principal to focus on high-priority issues.

3. Principals should prioritize their tasks and responsibilities, addressing the most critical issues first. This ensures that they can allocate their time and energy more efficiently.

4. While technology allows for constant connectivity, it's essential to use it mindfully, intentionally and purposefully. Set boundaries on email and phone use during personal time to prevent work from intruding into personal life. This is simple as modifying notification and turning on out of office replies at set times on a daily basis.

5. Seek support from colleagues, mentors, or professional associations. Sharing experiences and strategies with other principals can provide valuable insights into maintaining balance.

Creating healthy boundaries of availability as a school principal is essential for personal well-being and the overall effectiveness of the school. By setting clear limits, prioritizing tasks, and practicing self-care, principals can strike a balance between their professional and personal lives. This not only benefits your health and happiness but also sets a positive example for the entire school community, fostering a culture of well-being and productivity.

In the demanding role of a school principal, finding this balance is not only desirable but also necessary for long-term success and fulfillment. This is a marathon, not a sprint and all too often the principal who “sprint” fail to make it to the finish line.

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