November 2018 – Happy Schools

Managing Your Energy Levels

November 29, 2018

Working in schools, no two days are ever the same. Schools can be unpredictable places. Unexpected challenges can appear at any stage of the day. We are unlikely to get bored. However, there can be a rhythm or flow to many days. My energy levels and focus on an average work day has a predictable flow to it. I tend to be far more productive in the mornings. At about two in the afternoon, I hit the wall and am far less productive and struggle to think clearly. There can also be a pattern to your energy levels during the week. On Mondays I am usually full of energy and focused on the week ahead. The momentum often continues on…

Developing Empathy

November 22, 2018

Stevef

Resilience

Imagine a culture where all people feel aligned and connected with a clear sense of purpose. There is consequently, a great sense of goodwill, cooperation, productivity and innovation as a result. How can you create such a positive environment in your school or with your family? Start with the simple practice of empathy. Empathy is that secret ingredient which is the glue in relationships…it helps people to feel connected, cared for and important. It gives people a sense that what they feel is noticed and who they are is valued. It also gives them a sense of safety to really express themselves and their full potential. By empathy, I mean feeling with another person and attempting to step into their…

Time Management Is Dead

November 15, 2018

Stevef

Efficiency

Time Management focuses on two aspects – task and time. The key question is how much work can we squeeze into the time we have available. Whilst endeavoring to manage our time has served us well, it is now time to let it RIP. Peter Drucker, management guru advocates that productivity is the key to success. Productivity is defined as “Producing valuable results through the conservation of time, energy and effort.” In the busy schools of today, we would all benefit from conserving time, energy and effort. Drucker argues that productivity focuses on results and outcomes and that we must be prioritizing between existing work and new work, making sharp decisions about the time we invest and accepting that priorities…

Replacing Unhelpful Behaviours

November 8, 2018

Stevef

Effectiveness

At times our own behaviours do not contribute to a positive school culture and working environment. Replacing behaviours that are adding to the problem with behaviours that are more conducive to a productive atmosphere is a powerful way that we can make a difference in our school. Here are some examples. Less Whinging….More Problem Solving Whinging and complaining can become a habit in schools. Some people are quick to see (and more than happy to highlight) the things that are problematic in the school environment. Whether that is unacceptable student behaviour, a perceived lack of resources, an unreliable wifi network, poor internal communication or lackluster leadership, they are keen and eager to provide commentary to anyone who will listen. However,…