The Dips of Doubt

As November brings on the rush of holiday stress and shifting dynamics among students, staff, and parents, leaders can find themselves in "survival mode". In this episode, Susan and Tessa talk about the power of gratitude during this busy season and the importance of reflecting on the positive impact you’re making, even when times are tough. Drawing on scientific research, they share strategies to...

Setting boundaries is essential for leaders, especially those who strive to please others or aim to advance in their careers. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how to establish healthy limits to prevent burnout and support mental health while upholding a reputation for hard work and service. They share real-life examples of saying "no" in a way that maintains respect and authenticity and em...

Rebuilding trust with staff members who have disengaged can be challenging, but it’s crucial for a healthy school culture. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share effective strategies for reconnecting with shut-down staff and creating a transparent feedback environment. They discuss the importance of assessing campus culture carefully, keeping an eye out for pitfalls like relying on the same voices...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa tackle a common challenge many leaders face: when a meeting takes an unexpected turn, leaving you feeling attacked or where the conversation becomes negative. They share three essential strategies to help leaders confidently address these situations, turning them into opportunities for growth. With a focus on confronting the issue head-on, Susan and Tessa...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa begin with a powerful question: "Have you ever wished for a clean slate?" They dive into how leaders and educators can shift their mindset when working with students, particularly those with challenging behaviors. By approaching students with an open heart, grace, and a sense of delight—rather than expecting difficulties—educators can foster a more positive environ...

During this awesome episode, Susan and Tessa explore the concept of "Go Slow to Go Fast," discussing how leaders often face overwhelming demands and responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of taking time to process and reflect before jumping into action. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint—by slowing down, leaders can prioritize effectively, strategize thoughtfully, and make more impact...

In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the essential role of parent support in a school’s success. As a leader, providing parents with the right resources, transparency, and empathy strengthens communication and builds trust. They explore how deeper connections with parents through programs like PTA, along with regular gratitude and "positive phone calls," can make a significant impac...

As the school year gains momentum, it’s crucial to pause and evaluate your progress as a leader. It’s the perfect time to reflect on personal and campus goals—are you progressing as planned, or do adjustments need to be made? Join the discussion as Susan and Tessa share strategies on visualization, using data to assess your progress, and identifying areas that need a course correction. They emphas...

In this insightful episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the tough reality of leadership—knowing you can’t please everyone. They explore the reflective questions leaders should ask when faced with negativity or dissatisfaction from staff, and how to avoid getting stuck in a negative mindset. Susan and Tessa discuss what aspects of the situation leaders can control and provide strategies to shift your mi...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa explore the profound impact of brain regulation in education, focusing on how our brains respond to stressful situations. They share strategies for educators to manage their own triggers and avoid escalating conflicts with students, parents, or co-workers. By understanding the brain's "fear state" and "survival mode," Susan and Tessa discuss how to recogn...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa offer practical email strategies to help leaders stay organized and on top of their inbox. They share tips like archiving emails to reduce clutter, scheduling messages to send during appropriate business hours, and delegating tasks to team members for better support. Learn how to efficiently manage your inbox by deleting unnecessary emails and saving important ones...

In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the art of self-organization and the importance of closing the loop in delegation. They discuss strategies for staying organized, from breaking down tasks into "good, better, and best" categories to ensuring follow-through on delegation. By closing the loop, leaders can ensure tasks are completed efficiently without loose ends and frustration. Su...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the importance of embracing your blind spots as a leader to grow and improve. They explore how being open to feedback, both positive and constructive, is key to becoming the best version of yourself. By building genuine connections with staff and fostering healthy relationships, leaders can cultivate a culture of healthy dialog. Susan and Tessa emphasize...

Mistakes are inevitable when working with people, but in this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the tough yet rewarding process of owning and fixing them. They discuss how navigating the messiness of human relationships requires both humility and strategy, offering practical advice on how to repair mistakes while maintaining trust and respect. Through real-life examples, Susan and Tessa explore h...

As a leader, holding individuals accountable can be a difficult task, but it's essential for growth. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore why pausing to address accountability is crucial—without it, people may not even realize their actions are problematic. They emphasize the need for bravery and meaningful conversations to address blind spots and guide staff toward professionalism. Susan and...

In this insightful conversation, Susan and Tessa dive into the moments when leaders unintentionally create more conflict by relaxing accountability, communication, or reacting poorly under pressure. They explore Marlene Chism’s five stages of conflict to help navigate and resolve tensions more effectively. By breaking down the stages, Susan and Tessa provide wisdom on how to identify the root of c...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the challenge of navigating negative dynamics in the workplace. They share strategies for leaders to foster healthy relationships and open communication, essential for transforming the culture of a school. By addressing toxic behaviors and promoting a more supportive environment, Susan and Tessa provide actionable steps to help leaders shift the dynamics fro...

In this episode, Tessa and Susan explore the powerful impact of the messages displayed on your walls—whether in offices, classrooms, or throughout the school. They discuss how everything from posters and classroom rules to wall colors and empty spaces can influence emotions, school culture, and connections among staff and students. Tessa and Susan delve into the importance of creating an environme...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa address the common pitfall of assuming others can read your mind. They discuss how unclear communication can lead to frustration, confusion, and even conflict within a team. Through various real-life scenarios, they highlight how leaders often overlook the need to provide clear and detailed instructions, forgetting that educators may not have the background knowled...

In this compelling episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the value of repetition in leadership communication. They explore the concept of "7 by 7"—repeating key messages seven times over seven days—as an effective strategy to ensure your vision and important information stick. With the constant noise and distractions in today’s workplace, they emphasize that being a "broken record" isn’t a flaw but a...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa delve into the importance of showing genuine care and compassion as a leader. They discuss how simple acts of kindness and thoughtful communication can build strong, trusting relationships within your team. By sharing personal stories and practical tips, Susan and Tessa highlight how caring for others not only fosters a positive work environment but also strengthen...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the challenging issue of supporting staff members who don’t get along. Drawing from their own leadership experiences, they share practical strategies and actionable tips for navigating this difficult situation. Susan and Tessa provide insights on how to mediate conflicts, promote a positive work environment, and help team members find common ground. This epi...

In this week's episode, Susan and Tessa discuss the concept that "There is NO Such Thing as Perfection" and how embracing this truth can transform your leadership approach. They offer valuable tips for handling mistakes as leaders, emphasizing the importance of owning errors, apologizing sincerely, and reflecting on missteps. Susan and Tessa also guide listeners on how to effectively correct wrong...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the key components of building a healthy and productive educational team. They discuss the critical factors to consider when assembling a team, from selecting individuals with complementary skills to fostering a culture of collaboration and trust. Susan and Tessa share insights on how to balance diverse strengths and personalities, ensuring that each team m...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa delve into the concept of "There is No 'I' in Team," highlighting how egos and titles can hinder effective leadership. They discuss the importance of setting aside personal pride and focusing on collaborative efforts to achieve team success. Susan and Tessa offer practical strategies for leaders to manage their egos, promote teamwork, and create an environment wher...