
Closed door policy works.
The school is my office. I essentially used the designated school admin office as a locker room or hall closet housing my jacket, some office supplies, an umbrella, a few coffee stained mugs and other collectibles. In order to be closely acquainted with the building and the goings on, it is important to spend time roaming and exploring. In my years of school leadership it happened that my deepest conversation took place in the hallways among students and in the classrooms of teachers. This is where the action happens and where school administrators should spend their time. It has been important for me to close my door and lead by example:
- Carry a device. Being connected is no longer the way of the future but it is the now. We have access to our bell schedules, our teacher schedules, our student schedules and our own schedules. Having these items on your device will empower you to be just as informed as someone might be sitting in his/her office flipping a desk calendar, spinning a rolodex or scrolling through the SIS data. Carrying the information isn’t enough — reference it and be informed so you are able to be in the know at all times.
- Email efficiently. Yes, building leaders get many emails. The inbox seems to multiply at the blink of an eye. If you feel overwhelmed and need to delegate or respond to some received emails then find a classroom filled with students and a teacher and use this time and space to respond, organize and delete some of the superfluous “reply all” you’re part of. This time will enable you to be visible, keep up with communications and allow you to feel the pulse of the building.
- Admin ‘meet-ups” in the halls. By spending your time in hallways and classrooms, you are establishing a common meeting place. Your admin team will begin looking for you in the hallways thus encouraging the very same behavior. An administrative team who hangs in the hall is an accessible and approachable team.
- Be conversational. Get to know your staff and connect by showing interest in them as people and not just educators. The small talk will lead to classroom discussions, and student success and struggles. This pedagogical dialogue will replace that dialogue which has been collected, tabulated, polished and presented. It’s raw, authentic speak.
I learned this the good way. I worked with a principal who practiced all of the above. He was never in his office, always on the move and knew exactly the mood of the building. Ideas happened and action was taken while climbing the center stairwell in conversation with a teacher on her way to her next teaching block. Your desk and chair will be there when the teachers and students are gone — so will that coffee mug. Take advantage of the time they are there and spend your day with them.
