Being connected means I am always available on something. I’m checking twitter, or my email, or instagram all of the time. There is facebook messenger, there is snapchat. My staff has my cell number and I check my email regularly (gulp.)
I’ve never thought of that as a bad thing.
A conversation this week made me pause, however. Is being that available setting an expectation that I expect that of others? It honestly had never occurred to me. That darn activator “strength” of mine means when I have a question or need input, I typically reach out to other leaders on campus. While I’m not at all put out if they don’t all respond, I don’t know that I’ve ever communicated that to them.
Knowing that my people are watching all the time, I still think being available is important. What are your strategies for honoring off/down time while maintaining a consistent, constant flow of communication and shared leadership?
How accessible are you to your staff? Can they reach you via phone/text all the time?
tick tock,
Amber
Hello Amber,
Interesting perspective. Like you, I am constantly connected, and by choice. I don’t expect this from others, but it’s interesting to note when I do go off the grid for a few days how alarmed people get when their messages aren’t returned immediately. Raising the bar of expectation – right?!?
Thank you for providing this learning forum,
Bob
I think we are too connected. I try my hardest not to email or bug my staff on their vacation, but some things are inevitable to break that silence. As I get older, and more comfortable in the principal’s seat, I like my time respected when I am truly on vacation. We seem to always be on and the only time we can be off is when the district is closed as well.
Last year, I started not to look at emails after I left school for the day and not on weekends. I will definitely be continuing that practice this year. I hope it is a great second year for you!