Principal Pep Talks

"In my work with leaders, I make it a point to give them clear and specific recognition when I see them utilizing a new skill, like courageous communication or self-compassion." - Sage

In this episode we follow up on our theme from episode seven: This One Thing Will Make You a Better Leader. We discuss the importance of authentic recognition and what it means to you, your staff, and anyone you interact with in your role as a principal.

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk:

The (evidence-based) importance of authentic recognition.

Tailoring recognition to different needs.

A story of how I helped a principal I worked with implement this in their work and an invitation for you to try it too.

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

Let's connect on LinkedIn!

Love the show? Please tell all your friends and colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

Resource mentioned:

Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman - Do You Tell Your Employees You Appreciate Them?

"Something that a lot of educators enjoy inside of the classroom is creating things to do with their students and their learners. And then they get into administration and it doesn't always feel creative anymore." - Sage

In this episode we ​​emphasize the transformative power of fun and discuss strategies for intentionally infusing enjoyment into our work. Moreover, we advocate for maintaining an open mind, embracing the potential to infuse elements of fun into various aspects of our professional lives.

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk

Having fun isn't just an incentive to do something, it can actually make what you're doing better.

Designing fun into your work.

Having an open mind about what you get to make fun.

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

On LinkedIn

Love the show? Please tell all your colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

Resource:

Article on Laughter and Learning

"You've heard about active listening. BUT, knowing something vs. doing something are different. You know this as an educator… our knowledge and behaviours don't always match" - Sage

In this episode we discuss the importance of honing the skill of genuine listening, offering practical tips to bridge the gap between comprehension and application. Additionally, we examine techniques for tangibly demonstrating that you've truly heard someone.

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk

• The world is distracting! Really listening to what people are saying can be hard, but it's possible and beneficial for everyone.

• How "getting it" can be a game changer for conflict resolution and deescalation.

• How to show that you have heard someone.

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

On LinkedIn

Love the show? Please tell all your friends and colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

"Don't go it alone and reinvent the wheel… The more constrained we feel, the more we think we just need to double down and figure it out." - Sage

In this episode we talk about a situation that's likely all too familiar: the challenge of finding coverage. What are ways that you can work through this issue not only in the moment, but in future situations as well?

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk

• The teacher shortage is REAL.

• What you can do to navigate a coverage issue (for the school's sake and for your own wellbeing)

• How can fostering great colleague relationships help fight the challenges facing education?

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

On LinkedIn

Love the show? Please tell all your friends and colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

"Pause whatever you're doing. Take 3 deep breaths. The work you do is essential. It matters. You matter." - Sage

In this episode you get a burst of rejuvination (hopefully!) and a much needed reminder of your value. We also discuss the myriad challenges you're facing and how to regroup.

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

Let's connect on LinkedIn too!

Love the show? Please tell all your friends! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

The "Get Out of Your Office!" Pep Talk

"We're not looking for perfection, we're not looking for some dreamy pie in the sky, that's not what the pep talks are about. The pep talks are about reminding you what you already know is important." - Sage

"Rally support. I don't suggest doing anything in leadership alone. So rally your resources in your community. Rally support." - Sage

In this episode, we explore the idea of stepping outside your office to reinvigorate and draw inspiration from the diverse individuals and resources within your educational community.

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk:

• Challenges of being TRAPPED to your desk and emails

• How to break free and get out of your office

• How to enlist support (and counter isolation)

• Create principal peer groups

• Bookend your day with an "out of your office" habit

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

Let's connect on LinkedIn too!

Love the show? Please tell all your friends! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

"There're bodies of evidence around the power of intentional breathing and how mindful breathing practices can make you more able to be in any situation without jumping to reactivity (and decrease stress.)" - Sage

In this episode we discuss the importance of incorporating intentional breathing into our daily routines, emphasizing its role in fostering responsiveness over reactivity. Drawing from these insights, we delve into the concept of cultivating small, yet powerful habits that promote resilience and enhance our overall well-being.

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk:

• How one school used habit stacking to bring mindfulness into their work day in a playful way

• Remember to breathe! (and why it matters)

• Learning to be responsive, rather than reactive

• How to form small, simple, and effective habits

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

Let's connect on LinkedIn!

Love the show? Please tell all your colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

Resource mentioned:

James Clear Atomic Habits

"The role of the principal in the US school systems has become increasingly complex and requires you to function both as managers and visionary leaders - moving between facilities issues, student learning, staff development, safety system - often without the time and support needed to improve your skills in these complicated roles." - Sage

In this episode we talk about the significance of consistently showing up across all levels of your job. We emphasize the importance of balancing the big vision with the daily details. Additionally, I share stories from the field that demonstrate how every moment presents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk:

• You're resourceful, competent, and capable.

• Research based practice that will improve your experience as a leader.

• You get to make a difference, daily!

• The power of listening as a leader.

• Balancing BIG, systemic change with the daily moments.

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

Let's connect on LinkedIn too!

Love the show? Please tell all your friends! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)

"Educators are some of the most dedicated, heart-centered people that I have ever known. Working with school principals is an unbelievable honor." - Sage

Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk

• Why do we need a show like this in challenging times?

• What's in it for YOU? Support, resources, and humor.

• How Sage's school counseling career informed her work in educational leadership.

Connect and find more resources:

The Principal Leadership Program

Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation

Speaking

On LinkedIn

Love the show? Please tell all your colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show. Thank you :)