my version of transparent, collaborative leadership...with a Teamann twist

Leadership and the summer: How to ensure your 23-24 success by planning ahead NOW

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Summer is an exciting time for educators, but it can also be a challenging one. Planning feels like the last thing you wanna do…summer is when we get to reset, reflect, and renew our commitment to the reasons we do this job in the first place. My June was always spent in reflection mode. What went well? What didn’t go well? Where did we go off plan? The new year was too far off to really plan for, but this month of closing it all down was crucial. An autopsy of our school year allowed us, through hindsight, to see what we’d missed and how it had happened. Then we’d get a lil’break and coming back in July meant it was time to start thinking ahead.

 

Best Practices for Summer Leadership and Planning

To overcome the challenges of summer and ensure team success, leaders must be proactive in their planning and communication. Here are some best practices to follow:

Set Clear Expectations

At the start of the summer season, it’s essential to communicate clearly with your team about what is expected of them. I made meeting calendars and developed any “new” protocols. Establishing a skeleton of a timeline meant as my team started coming back, we had an outline to start with.  By setting clear outlines and directions, you can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Plan Ahead

Obviously, there are calendrical things we know are going to happen. I’m also a big believer in that if you can predict it, you can prevent it. BTS chaos? Traffic flow pushback? Make a plan to address thoroughly on the front end. In “Lead With Appreciation” we talk about how to work ahead for the big events/days and who can support you in all the many capacities. (Budgets, plans, snacks, etc.) If you’re a theme person, (and really, shouldn’t you be?) you can start divvying out tasks and responsibilities to prepare for what you have planned. This also helped with budget allocation and knowing where we were heading as a leadership team.

Pre-Train Your Team

Leadership meetings, retreats, and refreshes are all opportunities for you to expose those who you see as leaders on your campus to the campus vision and a recommitment to the values that are crucial for a culture of achievement.

Utilize Technology

Technology can be a valuable tool for summer leadership and planning. Consider using video, texts, zooms, shared calendars, etc.,  to track progress and ensure that everyone is on the same page. A closed FB page is a great place to share summer memories or future plans with your team. We used to schedule Facebook posts to connect with our families as well. Keep up that page traffic!

Don’t forget…you need a step-away break as well.

Effective leadership and planning are crucial for ensuring team success but

if a leader is stressed and unable to have some downtime during the summer, even the most efficient of leaders will eventually break

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Take time for naps, lunches with friends, and read some nonacademic, potentially simplistic novels. (I share all mine on the IG, if you’re interested!)

More summer planning resources:

Summer ways to make your leadership life easier!

5 things a principal can do this summer

PD Bingo

 

May this May find you winding down, wrapping up, and getting ready for summer. You’re almost across that finish line!

 

Cheeringly and

Chat GPT for the, ahem, middle aged, professional…

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Friends. Family. Readers of all my experiences…

If you haven’t dove into the benefits of ChatGPT…let me help you.

Listen. Stress snacking is a thing. Travel team softball mom stress and responsibilities is a thing. Working on your doctorate is a thing. Turning 45 is.a.whole.thing.

The more I can NOT think about the better off we in my world  ALL are.

 

Let this be just a FEW examples of how you can utilize this incredible tool.

 

Example one:

Prompt asked: Using the Optavia 5&1 plan, give me 7 days of suggested snacks and easy lean and green meals using regular household ingredients.

Response:

Here is a sample 7-day snack plan for Optavia:

Day 1:

  • Apple slices with almond butter
  • Celery sticks with hummus
  • Hard-boiled egg

Day 2:

  • Carrot sticks with ranch dressing
  • Cottage cheese with sliced peaches
  • Roasted chickpeas

Day 3:

  • Greek yogurt with berries
  • Beef jerky
  • Edamame

Day 4:

  • Sliced bell peppers with guacamole
  • Rice cake with peanut butter and banana slices
  • Turkey slices

Day 5:

  • Mixed nuts
  • Sliced cucumber with tzatziki sauce
  • String cheese

Day 6:

  • Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella cheese
  • Sugar snap peas with peanut butter
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds

Day 7:

  • Grapes with cheese
  • Baby carrots with ranch dressing
  • Hard-boiled egg

Here are six easy lean and green meals using regular household ingredients:

  1. Grilled Chicken Salad: Grilled chicken breast over a bed of mixed greens, with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
  2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry: Sautee shrimp in a pan with garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil. Serve over a bed of cauliflower rice, with sliced bell peppers and onions.
  3. Turkey Burger with Sweet Potato Fries: Grill a turkey burger and serve it on a lettuce wrap, topped with sliced avocado, tomato, and red onion. Serve with roasted sweet potato fries.
  4. Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables: Bake a salmon fillet in the oven with lemon and dill, and serve it with roasted asparagus, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
  5. Grilled Sirloin Steak with Zucchini and Squash: Grill a sirloin steak and serve it with grilled zucchini and squash, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil.
  6. Turkey Chili: Brown ground turkey in a pot, then add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, bell peppers, onions, and chili powder. Simmer until vegetables are tender, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.

Prompt tweaked:

Give me a grocery list with amounts for the above meal plan.

Day 1:

  • Apples (4 medium)
  • Almond butter (2 tbsp)
  • Celery (4-6 stalks)
  • Hummus (2 tbsp)
  • Hard-boiled eggs (2)

Day 2:

  • Carrots (4-6 medium)
  • Ranch dressing (2 tbsp)
  • Cottage cheese (1/2 cup)
  • Peaches (1 medium)
  • Roasted chickpeas (1/4 cup)

Day 3:

  • Greek yogurt (1 cup)
  • Mixed berries (1 cup)
  • Beef jerky (1 oz)
  • Edamame (1 cup)

Day 4:

  • Bell peppers (2 medium)
  • Guacamole (2 tbsp)
  • Rice cakes (2)
  • Peanut butter (2 tbsp)
  • Banana (1 medium)
  • Turkey slices (2-3 oz)

Day 5:

  • Mixed nuts (1/4 cup)
  • Cucumber (1 medium)
  • Tzatziki sauce (2 tbsp)
  • String cheese (1 stick)

Day 6:

  • Cherry tomatoes (1 cup)
  • Mozzarella cheese (2 oz)
  • Sugar snap peas (1 cup)
  • Peanut butter (2 tbsp)
  • Roasted pumpkin seeds (1/4 cup)

Day 7:

  • Grapes (1 cup)
  • Cheese (1-2 oz)
  • Baby carrots (4-6)
  • Ranch dressing (2 tbsp)
  • Hard-boiled eggs (2)

For the meals:

  • Grilled chicken breast (4 oz)
  • Mixed greens (2 cups)
  • Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup)
  • Cucumber (1/2 medium)
  • Balsamic vinaigrette (1-2 tbsp)
  • Shrimp (4-6 oz)
  • Garlic (2 cloves)
  • Lemon juice (2 tbsp)
  • Olive oil (1 tbsp)
  • Cauliflower rice (2 cups)
  • Bell peppers (1/2 medium)
  • Onion (1/4 medium)
  • Turkey burger (4 oz)
  • Lettuce (2-3 leaves)
  • Avocado (1/4 medium)
  • Tomato (1 slice)
  • Red onion (1 slice)
  • Sweet potatoes (1 medium)
  • Salmon fillet (4 oz)
  • Asparagus (6-8 spears)
  • Broccoli (1/2 cup)
  • Zucchini (1 medium)
  • Squash (1 medium)
  • Ground turkey (8 oz)
  • Diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • Black beans (1 can)
  • Kidney beans (1 can)
  • Chili powder (1 tbsp)
  • Greek yogurt (1/4 cup)

Example 2:

Prompt: Give me one week schedule of using the treadmill per day to maximize weight loss with 30 minutes per day, plus 5 min of weights with reps and activities

Sure, here’s an example breakdown of the activities you could do, along with their definitions, reps, and recommended times:

Monday:

  • Treadmill: 30 minutes, moderate intensity (e.g., brisk walking or light jogging)
  • Weights: Bicep curls, 3 sets of 12 reps each (using dumbbells or resistance bands), 5 minutes

Bicep curls: Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells (or resistance bands) with palms facing up. Keep your elbows close to your sides and slowly curl the weights towards your shoulders, then lower them back down to the starting position.

Tuesday:

  • Treadmill: 30 minutes, moderate intensity
  • Weights: Squats, 3 sets of 12 reps each (using dumbbells or bodyweight), 5 minutes

Squats: Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells (or no weight). Bend your knees and lower your hips back as if you’re sitting down into a chair. Keep your weight in your heels and your chest lifted. Return to standing position.

Wednesday:

  • Treadmill: 30 minutes, moderate intensity
  • Weights: Lunges, 3 sets of 12 reps each (using dumbbells or bodyweight), 5 minutes

Lunges: Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells (or no weight). Take a big step forward with one leg, bending both knees until your back knee almost touches the floor. Keep your weight in your front heel and your chest lifted. Return to standing position and switch legs.

Thursday:

  • Treadmill: 30 minutes, moderate intensity
  • Weights: Push-ups, 3 sets of 10 reps each (using bodyweight or modified push-ups), 5 minutes

Push-ups: Start in a plank position with hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body down until your chest almost touches the ground, keeping your elbows close to your sides. Push back up to the starting position.

Friday:

  • Treadmill: 30 minutes, moderate intensity
  • Weights: Plank, hold for 30 seconds, 5 minutes

Plank: Start in a push-up position with elbows on the ground. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engage your core, and hold the position for 30 seconds.

Example 3

Prompt: give me a list of business casual outfits for the following weather temperatures using basic closet staples. i need appropriate shoes as well. Temps 68, 71, 73, 68, 75 No jeans, include dresses.

Response:

68 degrees Fahrenheit:

  • Outfit 1: Navy A-line midi dress, a cream cardigan, and brown ankle boots
  • Outfit 2: Black tailored trousers, a white blouse, a gray blazer, and black loafers
  • Shoes: Brown ankle boots or black loafers. Leggings are not needed with either outfit.

71 degrees Fahrenheit:

  • Outfit 1: Light blue knee-length shirtdress, a brown leather belt, and white sneakers
  • Outfit 2: Navy ankle-length dress pants, a light pink blouse, a beige blazer, and nude pumps
  • Shoes: White sneakers or nude pumps. Leggings are not needed with either outfit.

73 degrees Fahrenheit:

  • Outfit 1: Tan midi wrap dress, a navy cardigan, and brown ankle boots
  • Outfit 2: Gray ankle-length dress pants, a white blouse, a black blazer, and black loafers
  • Shoes: Brown ankle boots or black loafers. Leggings are not needed with either outfit.

68 degrees Fahrenheit (again):

  • Outfit 1: Black knee-length shift dress, a light gray cardigan, and black ankle boots
  • Outfit 2: Beige ankle-length dress pants, a navy blouse, a black blazer, and nude pumps
  • Shoes: Black ankle boots or nude pumps. Leggings are not needed with either outfit.

75 degrees Fahrenheit:

  • Outfit 1: Light blue knee-length sheath dress, a brown leather belt, and white sandals
  • Outfit 2: Beige ankle-length dress pants, a pale pink blouse, a white blazer, and brown loafers
  • Shoes: White sandals or brown loafers. Leggings are not needed with either outfit.

 

Y’all. I am in a season of not being able to work any harder than I have to.

Let AI help you.

 

Always tired &

 

Leadership (old or new) in the spring…

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Spring is a season of new beginnings; for leaders, it’s an opportunity to reset and refocus their leadership strategies. As the flowers begin to bloom and the world awakens from its winter slumber, leaders can take this time to gear up for a new season of leadership.

So how can leaders use the spring to their advantage? Here are a few tips:

  1. Reflect on the past season.

Before moving forward, it’s important to reflect on the past season. What worked well? What didn’t? What goals did you achieve, and what goals fell short? Taking time to reflect on the past season can help you identify areas for growth and improvement.

It’s important to take the time to review what worked well and what didn’t, to identify areas where changes can be made, and to celebrate accomplishments.

To reflect on the past season, start by gathering feedback from team members, stakeholders, and customers. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one conversations. Ask questions about what they liked and didn’t like about the season, what went well and what could have been improved.

Once you have gathered feedback, analyze the data and look for patterns or trends. Identify areas where the team performed well and areas where there were challenges. Use this information to create a plan for moving forward, and setting goals and objectives for the next season.

It’s also important to celebrate successes and recognize the contributions of team members. Take the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the past season. This can help build morale and motivate team members for the next season.

  1. Set new goals.

Once you’ve reflected on the past season, it’s time to set new goals for the upcoming season. What do you want to achieve? What areas do you want to focus on? Setting specific, measurable goals can help keep you and your team on track throughout the season.

Goals provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose for the team or organization. As a leader, setting challenging yet achievable goals that align with the overall vision and mission is important.

When setting new goals, involving the team members in the process is important. This can help create buy-in and ownership of the goals. Encourage team members to share their ideas and suggestions for goals that will help them grow personally and professionally.

Once goals are set, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks is important. This can help team members see progress and stay motivated. Assign responsibilities and deadlines for each task, and monitor progress regularly to ensure that the team is on track.

Communicating the goals and progress regularly with the team and stakeholders is also important. This can help create transparency and accountability. Celebrate small wins along the way and adjust the plan as necessary to stay on track.

Overall, setting new goals is a crucial step for any leader.

  1. Reconnect with your team.

Spring is a great time to reconnect with your team. Plan team-building activities or social events to help build camaraderie and strengthen relationships. This can help boost morale and create a positive work environment.

Reconnecting can help team members feel valued, heard, and supported, which can lead to increased morale and productivity.

To reconnect with your team, start by scheduling one-on-one meetings with each team member. Use this time to check in on their progress, listen to their concerns, and provide feedback and support. Make sure to listen and show empathy for their challenges and experiences actively.

It’s also important to schedule team-building activities to promote collaboration and improve team dynamics. This can be anything from a team lunch or happy hour to a team retreat or volunteer activity. These activities can help team members get to know each other on a personal level and build trust and camaraderie.

Regular team meetings are also an important way to reconnect with your team. Use these meetings to provide updates, discuss progress, and encourage open communication. Make sure to actively involve team members in discussions and decision-making to ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

Finally, make sure to recognize and celebrate team members’ accomplishments regularly. This can be as simple as sending a congratulatory email or publicly acknowledging a job well done. Celebrating successes can help build morale and motivation and show team members that their contributions are valued.

  1. Focus on self-care.

Leaders often put their own needs last, but taking care of yourself is essential for effective leadership. Use the spring as an opportunity to focus on self-care. Take a break, go for a walk, or try a new hobby. By prioritizing your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to lead your team.

Taking care of yourself makes you better equipped to lead and support your team effectively.

Here are some ways to focus on self-care:

  1. Prioritize rest and relaxation: Make sure to get enough sleep, take breaks during the workday, and schedule time for relaxation and hobbies outside of work.
  2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking.
  3. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
  4. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
  5. Take time off: Make sure to take time off from work to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

By focusing on self-care, leaders can improve their overall well-being, reduce stress and burnout, and increase their capacity to lead and support their teams effectively.

A great quote from my favorite show, Ted Lasso is, “It’s the taking part that counts.” This quote speaks to the importance of effort and participation, regardless of the outcome. As a leader, it’s important to recognize and appreciate team members’ efforts, even if the outcome isn’t what was expected. Focusing on the process rather than just the results can help create a positive and supportive work environment.

The spring is a great time for leaders to reflect, reset, and refocus their leadership strategies. By taking time to reflect on the past season, set new goals, reconnect with your team, and prioritize self-care, you can gear up for a new season of leadership. Even as you look forward to the quietness of the summer, here is where you set the tone.

Here and

Calm in the Change Chaos

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Change is a constant in any organization, and this is especially true in the world of education. One significant change that can occur in schools is a shift in district leadership…in particular in my world, a new superintendent. I’ve long been a fan of the statement that all change is hard, even good change. Adapting to change can be challenging, but there are steps that professionals can take to ensure a smooth transition.

Clear and consistent communication is where the calmness begins. Surveys, conversations, transparency… all strategies that will show a willingness to be collaborative.

Another key action for adapting to change is to remain flexible. Change can be unpredictable, and leaves all previously final plans more… fluid. By staying open to new ideas and approaches, educators can better navigate the transition and maintain a sense of continuity for students and the community.

Here are three of my favorite quotes when it comes to the importance of leadership… ones to keep in mind to help your people adapt to changes in district leadership:

  1. “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” – Ronald Reagan

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This quote reminds us that leadership is not just about one person, but about the collective efforts of a team. When a new leader takes over a school district, they need to work with teachers, staff, and community members to set goals and create a shared vision for the future. Leaders should unleash employees’ potential, rather than trying to control or contain their ideas and they should inspire employees to explore solutions, rather than motivating them toward fixed ideas.

  1. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg

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A change in district leadership can create uncertainty and anxiety for teachers and students. This quote reminds us that effective leaders leave a lasting impact that extends beyond their time in the role. By empowering teachers and providing a sense of stability, new leaders can create a positive legacy that endures long after they have moved on. Good leaders fight against a scarcity mindset, focusing instead on an abundance of things like respect, capacity, and trust.

  1. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

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This quote highlights the importance of leadership as a catalyst for growth and change. When a new leader takes over a school district, they have the opportunity to inspire teachers and students to reach new heights. By setting high expectations and providing the support needed to achieve them, new leaders can create a culture of excellence that benefits everyone in the district.

If you’re in a season of change, whether at the campus or at the district level, remember that changes in leadership can be challenging, but they can also provide opportunities for growth and improvement. Relationships can’t be rushed but if you’re willing to embrace change, there can be calmness in the chaos.

 

 

Flexible and

#CISDreads…a book study bingo!

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I love a good book study. I like learning, I like learning with others…but I also know I am guilty of adding too much to my plate!

Rather than just…not…this spring we’re doing a book study…BINGO!

Why it’s going to be amazing?

  • It’s synchronous. Read a chapter a week or it all over the weekend.
  • A book that applies to brand-new and veteran educators.
  • Nothing heavy enough to stress anyone out.
  • Two options for participating: a padlet or via twitter/IG.
  • A prize for a blackout!

How is this going to grow me?

  • I had to choose a book that met all of the above. I also wanted something with enough BONUS content that I could share quotes, videos, or podcasts from the author. Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” checked all those boxes.
  • Finding share solutions for the techie and the non-techie required extra “hmmmm…” time.
  • Had to meet educators in different seasons of their world, our classrooms are filled with a continuum of experiences!
  • Book studies can be laborious and boring. I wanted this to be FUN.
  • My role will be responding, sharing, tagging, empowering, and encouraging…all my favorite verbs!

 

Want to play? I’ll mail YOU a technofabulous prize for playing as well! Want to make your own? Let me know your email address in the comments and I’ll share the template!

Check out this one that we did as well!

 

Get’ta reading,

Amber