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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 --> 00:00:19 Now here's your host, Adam Bush. Good morning and happy Friday, Boosters.
00:00:20 --> 00:00:24 Welcome to Your Morning Boost. We've made it through another week and I hope
00:00:24 --> 00:00:25 it's been a good one for you.
00:00:25 --> 00:00:28 As we head into the weekend, end, we're going to talk about something that can
00:00:28 --> 00:00:32 really transform your work life and, frankly, maybe even your personal life,
00:00:32 --> 00:00:34 and that is time blocking.
00:00:34 --> 00:00:37 Now, I know we've mentioned time blocking in previous episodes,
00:00:37 --> 00:00:41 but we've never really taken the time to dive into what that means.
00:00:41 --> 00:00:45 So, today, we're going to dive into how this simple technique can really help
00:00:45 --> 00:00:49 you and maybe help your office staff and even your leadership team.
00:00:49 --> 00:00:53 It's going to help us all feel more in control and get more done.
00:00:53 --> 00:00:57 Now, you may have heard of time blocking, but maybe you haven't given it a real try.
00:00:58 --> 00:01:03 It's essentially scheduling specific blocks of time for specific tasks.
00:01:03 --> 00:01:07 Instead of just letting your day unfold, you're taking control and deciding
00:01:07 --> 00:01:11 how you're going to spend your time. And I realize this sounds really simple.
00:01:11 --> 00:01:14 And you're saying to me, yeah, great, that's wonderful, until a fire breaks
00:01:14 --> 00:01:16 out. And yeah, I get it, I get it.
00:01:17 --> 00:01:21 But even just doing a little bit of this blocking can make a huge difference.
00:01:21 --> 00:01:25 Imagine starting your day knowing exactly what you're going to focus on and
00:01:25 --> 00:01:28 when. No more feeling overwhelmed or scattered.
00:01:28 --> 00:01:32 Picture this, you open your calendar, you see a clear structured plan for your
00:01:32 --> 00:01:34 day. Doesn't that just sound amazing?
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 No more frantic juggling of
00:01:37 --> 00:01:41 tasks or feeling like you're consistently or constantly putting out fires.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:45 That's the power and the idea behind time blocking.
00:01:45 --> 00:01:49 So for you as an educational leader, this can be a game changer.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:54 Start by identifying your most important tasks. This might include things like
00:01:54 --> 00:01:58 meeting with teachers, or maybe it's time to do some reviewing of student data,
00:01:58 --> 00:02:00 or working on strategic planning.
00:02:00 --> 00:02:04 Now block out time in your calendar for each of these tasks.
00:02:04 --> 00:02:08 Be realistic about how much each time will take, and don't forget to schedule
00:02:08 --> 00:02:12 some breaks and some buffer time for unexpected interruptions,
00:02:12 --> 00:02:13 because we know that's going to happen.
00:02:14 --> 00:02:18 We know that those days where a quick question turns into a lengthy discussion
00:02:18 --> 00:02:22 or an urgent issue derails our entire schedule.
00:02:22 --> 00:02:26 So by building it a little buffer time, it gives us some flexibility to try
00:02:26 --> 00:02:31 to handle these unexpected events without throwing our entire day off track.
00:02:31 --> 00:02:36 Now, speaking from personal experience, my current role is as a district office
00:02:36 --> 00:02:40 administrator, and I have found time blocking to be absolutely essential for me.
00:02:41 --> 00:02:46 I schedule dedicated blocks for follow-up calls and emails. I focus time on
00:02:46 --> 00:02:49 prioritized work, and I don't feel guilty about it.
00:02:49 --> 00:02:53 And I shouldn't feel guilty about making sure that I'm able to get the work
00:02:53 --> 00:02:54 done that I need to get done.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 It's about being very intentional with my time.
00:02:57 --> 00:03:01 I also have to schedule in time to be physically present in various buildings
00:03:01 --> 00:03:05 across the district, because I'll tell you what, if it's not on my calendar, it doesn't happen.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:09 And those face-to-face interactions are invaluable.
00:03:09 --> 00:03:13 So I schedule time to follow up with various people, because again,
00:03:13 --> 00:03:15 if I don't schedule it, it doesn't get done.
00:03:15 --> 00:03:19 This level of planning, it helps me to stay connected with my teams,
00:03:19 --> 00:03:23 and it also ensures that important tasks don't fall through the cracks.
00:03:23 --> 00:03:28 Now, time blocking isn't just for you. It can also be incredibly helpful for our office staff.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 Encourage them to use time blocking to manage their own workloads.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:37 This can help them prioritize tasks and meet deadlines and in the end really reduce stress.
00:03:37 --> 00:03:42 For example, we could block out time for answering emails, processing paperwork,
00:03:42 --> 00:03:45 or responding or replying to phone calls.
00:03:45 --> 00:03:49 Maybe create a shared calendar where we can see how everyone's time is being
00:03:49 --> 00:03:52 allocated, which can help with some coordination and, frankly,
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 some collaboration between getting the job done.
00:03:55 --> 00:03:59 This transparency can also help prevent double booking, and it ensures that
00:03:59 --> 00:04:02 everyone is working as efficiently as they can.
00:04:02 --> 00:04:05 And let's be honest, when our staff feels organized and in control,
00:04:05 --> 00:04:09 they're more likely to be productive, engaged, and we have a better working environment.
00:04:09 --> 00:04:12 And then also don't forget about your leadership team.
00:04:12 --> 00:04:15 Time blocking can really help our team work more effectively together.
00:04:16 --> 00:04:20 Schedule regular team meetings and block out time for collaborative projects
00:04:20 --> 00:04:26 and hold ourselves to that time. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same
00:04:26 --> 00:04:30 page and that progress is being made, but we have to commit to doing that time together.
00:04:30 --> 00:04:34 We can also use some time blocking to create dedicated time for professional
00:04:34 --> 00:04:35 development and team building.
00:04:36 --> 00:04:40 Too often, our leadership teams, we focus so much on what we got to do in the
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 building or what we have to try to get accomplished in the district.
00:04:43 --> 00:04:47 We forget about our own learning, how we're going to make ourselves better leaders,
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 and how we're going to work better together.
00:04:49 --> 00:04:54 It's very important for us to foster that strong team culture and ensure that
00:04:54 --> 00:04:58 everyone is aligned with the organization's goals and everybody is on the same page.
00:04:59 --> 00:05:03 Consider blocking out some time for brainstorming sessions, strategic planning
00:05:03 --> 00:05:06 retreats, or even just some informal team lunches.
00:05:06 --> 00:05:09 Get out of the building once in a while and just go meet some place for coffee,
00:05:09 --> 00:05:10 meet some place for lunch.
00:05:10 --> 00:05:12 Move that meeting. Make it more productive.
00:05:13 --> 00:05:18 Any of these activities, they help build relationships and help foster a sense of shared purpose.
00:05:19 --> 00:05:23 So prioritize, be realistic, don't forget to schedule your breaks.
00:05:24 --> 00:05:28 Get these things into that calendar. The benefits of time blocking are enormous.
00:05:28 --> 00:05:32 You will feel more in control of your day, you will be more productive,
00:05:32 --> 00:05:35 and you will experience less stress. I promise you.
00:05:35 --> 00:05:39 It can also help you achieve a better work-life balance, which is especially
00:05:39 --> 00:05:43 important during these busy times. Just by intentionally scheduling your time,
00:05:43 --> 00:05:48 you are creating space for the things that matter most, both professionally and personally.
00:05:49 --> 00:05:53 As we wrap up this week, I encourage you to give time blocking a try.
00:05:53 --> 00:05:56 Start small and gradually incorporate it into your daily routine.
00:05:57 --> 00:06:00 You will be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 Just don't forget, you don't need to feel guilty when you tell somebody,
00:06:03 --> 00:06:07 you know what, that's not my priority right now. I'm going to have to get back
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 to you at a later time. It's okay.
00:06:10 --> 00:06:13 Take some time this weekend to plan out your time blocks for next week if you
00:06:13 --> 00:06:17 get a chance. And just, again, remember, it's okay to adjust your schedule as needed.
00:06:17 --> 00:06:21 The goal is to create a system that works best for you. Hope you all have a
00:06:21 --> 00:06:24 wonderful, relaxing weekend. You have earned it.
00:06:24 --> 00:06:28 We will see you again next week for more tips and insights on your morning boost.
00:06:28 --> 00:06:31 Thanks for listening. We will talk with you again on Monday.
00:06:31 --> 00:06:35 You have been listening to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:06:35 --> 00:06:40 with Grundmeyer Leader Services. You can find out more about our services by
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 clicking on the links in the description.
00:06:43 --> 00:06:47 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:06:47 --> 00:06:51 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.