Many of the posts on this blog are about making positive change for the benefit of the students we serve. Believe me, I’m all for that and am working hard to make a difference. But do you ever have days where it seems like all that is surrounding you is chaos, conflict and confusion? I’m not talking just from staff as it could be also from parents, students and the community. I know what you are thinking. Change is difficult for most folks and so you have to be ready for that and allow time for people to process what you are asking of them. Conflict can be good; it can mean growth. Confusion means people are at least asking questions and you can use this time to clarify your vision. I truly get all of that.
But sometimes, it can feel a bit daunting. Especially to us new administrators who want to get along and play nice, but didn’t sign up to take this ride passively and so we create change to make things better. Know what I mean?
So, how do you handle it? Do you have a mentor to vent/talk to? Do you work it out at the gym? Do you take a mental health day? Are you drinking heavily and ready to slit your wrists? (I use this question as a gauge to see how my staff are doing. If they don’t laugh, I know it’s serious).
I have more good days than bad and I like what I am doing. Humor certainly helps. But every now and then, I am in awe of how difficult it all can be. And I just wondered if you ever felt that way too.
Reggie Engebritson