Principal Pep Talks

When I was introduced to today's guest,  Dr. Katie Anthes, I was beyond eager to hear about her work as the former Colorado's Commissioner of Education - during the pandemic! She was faced with unprecedented challenges in political polarization, faced death threats for her efforts, and leaned in hard to the power of listening in navigating choppy waters.   In today's episode, Dr. Anthes shares her...

My guest today is someone I admire greatly and whose reputation precedes him many times over. I was honored to host William Robinson, a leader driven by a deep commitment to equity and system change in education. We  explore William's journey from childhood in underfunded schools of the Arkansas Delta to leading transformational education initiatives all over the country through his work at the Un...

Ever since I started coaching school leaders, I've been inspired by their ability to juggle a million demands, build relationships with diverse constituents, and keep their focus on student learning as the primary goal through it all. I've been fortunate to work with Dr. Tiffany Rehbein for a few years and now I have the honor of sharing her journey in educational leadership here on the show!   Dr...

"You will like your job more, and have more happiness in your life, if your life is bigger than your work." - Sage  In the concluding episode of our 15-part series, we delve into the theme of crafting an identity beyond our professional roles.  I share insights from my own journey, transitioning from a decade-long career in school counseling, and the profound self-discoveries that came with it. To...

"People are messy. Human beings are complicated. We're big balls of feelings and reactivity. So communication is really hard, it's nuanced. It has subtlety, it has artistry. But it also has skills that can be learned." - Sage    In this episode, we delve into the essence of communication and the art of doing it effectively. I share the tenets of the Communication for Connection framework so you ca...

"Yes, you have to attend to this crazy job and all that comes up. But, how you attend to all the things matters." - Sage    In this episode, we look at what we can do to counter the endless things that get thrown at you as a principal. I emphasize the critical nature of HOW you tackle your various responsibilities and obstacles and why it's essential to deliberately make time to embrace and apprec...

"I've heard again and again [leaders] wondering how to manage supervising school events if it becomes legal for parents to carry guns to these events. Again, there's no training on this." - Sage    In this episode, I highlight the pressures of polarizing cultural events using a real example of a principal who navigated the controversy of a Black Lives Matter poster in a teacher's classroom. As we...

"...If you really were in danger and facing down a lion, you would be breathing heavily, probably out of your mouth. So, when we breathe deeply through our nose, we can automatically send a message to our body that we're safe. We're okay." - Sage    In this episode we talk about what you can do right now to mitigate feeling like you're drowning in your job. I give three "nuggets" to try in your da...

"Often folks just need to be heard, and oftentimes it's not about you or something you did wrong, or even something that's inside of your control. " - Sage    In episodes 7 and 9 I talked about the first two themes I've noticed that will improve your ability to lead well. Today, we're tackling the third theme… and it's a tricky one. Our focus is on non-defensiveness—mastering the art of receiving...

"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 yo...

"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...

" 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 de...

"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...

  "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 & Facili...

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 episod...

"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...

"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 consist...

"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...