At the time of writing this, we are at the start of what appears to be a long period of disruption both professionally and personally. By the time this is published, I honestly don’t know what life will be like for us. But what I do know is that by the time you read this, regardless of where you are or what is happening around you, you will need support.
For much of our time, we SBLs have our head down and our sleeves up fighting the good fight – but it’s easy to get stranded on the battlefield and find ourselves lost and exhausted in the commotion. I’m writing this to remind you that whether you’re at work or at home or whether you’re in the midst of or wearied from battle, there is help out there.
Here are some ideas to help you patch up your wounds, settle your mind and stay connected:
Social media
Reach out to colleagues on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Wherever you are and however you’re feeling, there will be others out there who know exactly what you are going through. Seek support for yourself and also give it to others who need it. More than ever, we need to not only connect but to keep in touch with each other. We don’t have to talk ‘work’ all the time – but talking, communicating and sharing is key to our wellbeing and maintaining some semblance of ‘normal’.
If social media makes you uncomfortable and you don’t like the idea of sharing so openly, communicate via e-mail. It’s a great way not only to connect but also to keep in touch with people as well as being more personal. Look at e-mail as the modern method of ‘writing a letter’ instead of the formal, quick-fire or salesy communications we’re used to.
Pick up the phone/video call
This might seem obvious but many of us are used to firing off a text or Whatsapp message or waiting until we see someone in person to catch up. If this is isn’t an option right now, then we need to make a conscious effort to get in touch and connect with each other. Whilst you might not ring everyone in your network, there are likely a few people that you know you can call or FaceTime with if you’re struggling to solve a problem, looking for inspiration or a safe space to vent!
Start a blog
Writing is a great way to organise your thoughts as well as share your experiences. Not only will it be of benefit to you but it can be of benefit to others. Generating discussion, encouraging reflection and enabling connections are just some of the ways that blogging can help people. If you don’t feel confident enough to write something yourself, then read what others are writing and jump in the conversation!
Make a plan
Whatever is going on around you right now, though it feels permanent, it’s not. Sure, things will shift and on the other side of this, things might look a whole lot different than they did before. But there will be a point where we will go back into our offices, put our heads down, roll up our sleeves and fight the good fight as hard, if not harder, than we ever have before. Think about how you can best prepare yourself for that – not just practically or professionally but mentally and personally. By making a plan, we create focus and goals that keep us moving forward.
Online CPD
If you’re going stir-crazy, you’ve done all your ‘house jobs’ and thought of binge watching another Netflix series is about to tip you over the edge, then think about using this time to do some CPD. There are lots of online providers and networks running courses, seminars, webinars and workshops on lots of different topics at relatively low cost (some even for free). By using this time to develop your skills and knowledge, you will also gain a sense of purpose and achievement as well as connect with others in similar situations to you. And when things do start moving, you’ll be ahead of the game and ready for anything!
Read
This is one of my favourite things to do when I feel stressed or anxious. Whether it’s a classic you love to re-read, a bestseller you can’t wait to get stuck into or a non-fiction title designed to stimulate the brain, curl up with a hot drink and lose yourself in another world or perspective on the world. Here are my personal non-fiction recommendations:
- Daring to Lead – Brene Brown
- Everything is Figureoutable – Marie Forleo
- Atomic Habits – James Clear
- Consiglieri – Richard Hytner
- The Alter Ego Effect – Todd Herman
Things are changing so fast, there is a lot that we still don’t understand and to say we are in unchartered territory is an understatement.
However, one thing I do know is that we can find strength from others. We have a network around us and resources that we can access to help us connect, share and learn – and right now, we need that more than ever. So reach out, pick up the phone, send an e-mail, read a book, make a plan and learn something new. Be strong, be safe and stay connected.
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