Find balance before you burn out

Leadership, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Sonny Da Marto

Dear Colleague:

For educators who want to make a difference in the quality of teaching and the lives of students, the principalship is ideal. Yet because of the excessive demands, dwindling resources, long hours and high levels of stress that come with the job, principals are prone to burnout. Mitigating these demands by finding new and better ways to support principals is a focus of this issue of Leadership magazine.

In his article on page 8, Gary Bloom writes that "the personal price that principals pay ... is becoming increasingly unsustainable." He warns that some of California's "most capable principals are engaged in an ongoing struggle--and may leave the profession--because of the time demands they face." Bloom's recommendations include better coordination at the central office level and more realistic expectations that develop out of well-defined priorities for principals.

Becoming an "employer of choice"

Another key to retaining employees is turning your district into a great place to work, writes Suzette Lovely: "When a district is perceived as a 'winner,' there is a strong desire to be affiliated with it." Lovely offers six strategies to become an "employer of choice" for principals.

One way to become an employer of choice is to make principals an integral part of the negotiations process, writes Ruben Ingrain. "If principals are true instructional leaders of their schools and programs and are accountable for the success of those programs, then their role in the negotiating process must be defined, expanded and supported," he says. "The results will be better leadership on their part, more attention to student achievement and accountability measures, and more efficient and effective operations."

School leader: A job worth doing

Let's face it: School leaders need all the support they can get. With this issue of Leadership magazine, we offer practical, proven strategies to help school leaders succeed. Ideas on using technology, holding more efficient meetings, reducing stress, setting a tone of respect and finding an executive coach will help you become confident that the price you pay to do the important work you do is, indeed, worth it.

Sincerely.

Sonny Da Marto ACSA President "Leadership Matters!"