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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:15 --> 00:00:18 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Happy Friday, school leaders,
00:00:18 --> 00:00:23 and welcome to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education. And boy,
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 are we ready for this Friday.
00:00:25 --> 00:00:29 We've made it through the shortest, longest month of the year known as February,
00:00:29 --> 00:00:32 and spring break for most of us is right on the horizon.
00:00:33 --> 00:00:37 So let's shake off those winter doldrums and finish the year strong,
00:00:37 --> 00:00:40 and it's going to start with a dose of some positive leadership.
00:00:40 --> 00:00:44 Now, we know February can feel like a marathon in a sprint suit, can't it?
00:00:44 --> 00:00:49 But we're here, and it's time to inject some much-needed positivity into our
00:00:49 --> 00:00:52 buildings as we head down this final stretch.
00:00:52 --> 00:00:58 Remember, your attitude as a leader, it sets the tone for your entire school district or building.
00:00:58 --> 00:01:03 So how do we cultivate a positive atmosphere as we emerge from winter and look towards spring?
00:01:04 --> 00:01:08 We're going to start by celebrating some small wins. Don't wait for the big
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 achievements to acknowledge progress.
00:01:10 --> 00:01:16 Did a teacher implement a new teaching strategy? Did a student make a significant improvement?
00:01:16 --> 00:01:19 Did your team successfully pull off a challenging event?
00:01:20 --> 00:01:25 Celebrate these wins, big and small, and try to publicly acknowledge them.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:30 Send a quick email of appreciation or even just stop by and offer a fist bump
00:01:30 --> 00:01:31 and a word of encouragement.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:37 These small gestures have a huge impact on morale. And then a simple thank you can go a long way.
00:01:37 --> 00:01:41 Express gratitude to your teachers, your staff, your students, and even your parents.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:45 If you live in the same area of the world that I do, the last couple weeks have
00:01:45 --> 00:01:47 been a challenge for parents. We've had a snow day.
00:01:48 --> 00:01:53 We've had multiple days where we were late start because of cold. That's hard on parents.
00:01:53 --> 00:01:56 Thank them for getting their kids to school when they could and making those
00:01:56 --> 00:02:00 arrangements to make the time happen just to make sure that our kids are safe.
00:02:00 --> 00:02:03 Let them know that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
00:02:03 --> 00:02:07 A culture of gratitude fosters a sense of belonging, and it just helps motivate
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 everyone to keep pushing forward.
00:02:09 --> 00:02:13 Now, it's also easy to get bogged down on the challenges and the to-do list,
00:02:13 --> 00:02:17 but make a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects of your school.
00:02:17 --> 00:02:22 What are you doing well? What are you proud of? What are you looking forward to?
00:02:22 --> 00:02:27 By focusing on the positive, we create a more optimistic and hopeful environment.
00:02:28 --> 00:02:31 Next, don't forget, connect with your staff on a personal level.
00:02:31 --> 00:02:35 Take a few minutes to chat with your teachers and staff about something other than work.
00:02:36 --> 00:02:40 Ask them what they're doing or if they have any plans for spring break or maybe
00:02:40 --> 00:02:41 something that they're passionate about.
00:02:41 --> 00:02:45 These personal connections, they build rapport and it helps create a sense of
00:02:45 --> 00:02:47 community amongst your team.
00:02:47 --> 00:02:50 Also, inject some fun if you can into the school day.
00:02:50 --> 00:02:54 This is a good time to plan a fun activity, a dress-up day, or even just a casual
00:02:54 --> 00:02:58 staff gathering. A little bit of fun, it can go a long way in boosting morale
00:02:58 --> 00:03:00 and helping reduce stress.
00:03:00 --> 00:03:04 It doesn't have to be anything elaborate. Even a simple gesture can make a difference.
00:03:04 --> 00:03:08 It's also a good time to think about communicating our vision for the remainder of the year.
00:03:08 --> 00:03:13 Remind our staff and students about the goals and the vision for the rest of the school year.
00:03:13 --> 00:03:19 It provides a sense of direction and purpose, and it helps everyone stay focused on that end goal.
00:03:19 --> 00:03:23 Now, the last tip I have for you is probably honestly the most important tip.
00:03:23 --> 00:03:25 Make sure you take care of yourself.
00:03:26 --> 00:03:30 Leadership, it can be very demanding, and it's easy to neglect our own well-being.
00:03:31 --> 00:03:35 Make sure we are getting enough rest, eating healthy, and taking time for ourselves.
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 You cannot pour from an empty cup.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:41 Your positive attitude starts with your well-being.
00:03:42 --> 00:03:46 Don't forget about yourself. As we head into spring break and the final months
00:03:46 --> 00:03:49 of the school year, we're going to go out there and lead with positivity,
00:03:49 --> 00:03:53 celebrate our successes, and create a supportive and encouraging environment
00:03:53 --> 00:03:57 for everyone in our buildings. You got this. Let's finish strong.
00:03:58 --> 00:04:02 That's it for today's Your Morning Boost. Have a fantastic, restful,
00:04:02 --> 00:04:06 and rejuvenating weekend and spring break when that time comes for you.
00:04:06 --> 00:04:11 Remember, your leadership makes a difference. Thank you for doing the job that only a few can do.
00:04:11 --> 00:04:14 Thank you for listening. We will talk with you again next week.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:18 You have been listening to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:04:18 --> 00:04:20 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:20 --> 00:04:25 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:30 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:34 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.