Principals: Keep it Simple in 2025 with “The Big 7”
Dear, School Leader -
As we step into 2025, let’s set our sights on making this the best year yet. Picture a school environment where students wake up excited to walk through the doors, staff feel fulfilled and energized in their work, and families trust and take pride in sending their kids to our schools. This vision is achievable, but we need to focus on simplicity. Let’s strip away the unnecessary distractions and hone in on what truly matters. By committing to these "Big 7" principles, we can create schools that thrive and more importantly, people that thrive.
1. Take Care of Yourself
You knew this one was coming, didn’t you?! It’s a simple question, but one we often overlook. To lead well, you need to be well. It’s said all the time, but this year, let’s stop just talking about it and actually do it. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Leader, when are you at your best, for yourself, and for others?
Eat right, move your body, and get enough sleep. Spend time outdoors to clear your head and reset your perspective. Keep a journal to process your thoughts and focus your priorities. And here’s a big one—schedule days off. Yes, even during the school year. Leadership is about empowering others, and your staff should be able to function without you for a day. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. There’s way too much burnout in school leadership. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Let’s have schools filled with leaders who burn bright, not out.
2. Take Care of Each Other
We’re not meant to do this work alone. Education is challenging, and we need to lean on one another. Let your team know you’re in the trenches with them. Sometimes, the simplest gestures can have the greatest impact. Let them know you see them and truly care about them as a human being because that’s exactly who they are…People!
Take the time to focus on the 3 L’s: truly LISTEN to the staff, LOOK around, and LEARN to discern their needs. “How can I help” and “What do you need are great questions to ask, but let’s know what people need and how we can help without asking. Write handwritten notes of encouragement to remind them they’re seen and valued. Offer to cover a class or step in when someone needs a breather. Celebrate their milestones and achievements, big or small. Building a culture of care starts with showing up for one another in meaningful ways. The work we do in education is all about people!
3. Love Kids
At the heart of everything we do is our love for kids. They are the reason we chose this field and the driving force behind every decision we make. But to love them well, we need to take care of ourselves and each other first as discussed in point #1 and #2. When we’re operating from a place of health and support, we can give students our best.
Be present for your students. Greet them by name at the door, smile, and take the time to notice the ones who might feel unseen. Get on the morning announcements so they can hear your voice and encouragement as you help to set the tone for the day. Be visible in the classrooms by taking a walk each day to say good morning to all the kids and staff, be in the hallways and the cafeteria, and stand at the door to send them off when they leave for the day. Celebrate their efforts, not just their successes. Advocate for them when they need it most. When kids feel loved and valued, they rise to the occasion. Let’s connect with kids, inspire them, and empower them to maximize their gifts and abilities.
4. Control the Controllables
There will always be things outside of our control—district mandates, societal pressures, staffing shortages, or unexpected challenges. Instead of fixating on these, let’s channel our energy into the things we can influence. Don’t waste time, energy, and brainspace on things outside of your control. Ask yourself this question, “At the end of the day, what truly matters?”
Set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Prioritize tasks that align with your values and goals. Stay grounded when stress threatens to take over. And when faced with obstacles, focus on solutions rather than frustrations. By controlling what we can, we free ourselves to make a real impact.
5. Pursue Excellence, Not Perfection
Here’s the truth: none of us are perfect, and we can’t expect perfection from ourselves or others. Instead, let’s aim for excellence—doing our best with the resources we have while showing grace when we fall short and showing grace to others. As Craig Groeschel says, “People would rather follow a leader who is always real than one who is always right.”
Set realistic goals and break them into manageable steps. When mistakes happen, treat them as opportunities to learn and grow. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and encourage your team to do the same. Excellence isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being intentional and consistent. As I tell my 8 year old son when he is struggling to throw strikes on the pitchers mound, “Don’t aim, just throw.”
6. Look for the “Little” Moments
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to miss the small, beautiful moments that make this work so rewarding. But these are often the moments that stick with us, and others the longest.
Take a walk through the school with fresh eyes. Look for the acts of kindness, the breakthroughs, and the joy in the everyday. Capture those moments and share them with the team. Highlight the good news in meetings or newsletters. And at the end of each day, pause to reflect on the moments that brought you joy or inspiration. These little moments are what fuel our passion and remind us why we do what we do.
7. Have Fun
Don’t take yourself too seriously. You’ll drain yourself it no time. Fun is a powerful connector, and it’s often the thing that people remember most.
Plan themed days that bring energy and laughter to your school. Create traditions that students and staff look forward to each year. Be playful in your interactions and look for opportunities to bring joy to your environment. Think about what you remember most from school—it’s probably not a test or a lecture. It’s the moments that made you smile, feel connected, or laugh when you weren’t supposed to. Let’s create those moments for our kids and staff.
Bonus
At the end of the day, go home and love your family well. Give them the best of you, not the rest of you.
Sample Action Steps For Leaders
Schedule your self-care: Add intentional rest, exercise, and reflection time to your calendar.
Connect with your team: Write three handwritten notes of encouragement this week and have one-on-one check-ins with staff.
Be present for students: Spend 15 minutes each day in classrooms or common areas connecting with kids.
Set boundaries: Identify one area where you can delegate or say no to free up time for your priorities.
Celebrate progress: Share one “little moment” you observe this week with your staff via email or during a meeting.
Infuse fun: Plan one small, joyful event or surprise for your staff and students this month.
By focusing on these "Big 7," we can simplify our approach to leadership and make 2025 a year to remember. Let’s take care of ourselves, support one another, and love our students with everything we’ve got. Together, we can create schools that shine as places of hope, belonging, and excellence. Here’s to an incredible year ahead!
In your corner,
Zac
