1: Have a realistic "Solution Mindset" and plan action steps as a team.
How many staff meetings have you gone to and there is Negative Nancy, Complaining Carol, and Non-Cooperative Ned going on about how a particular idea won't work. None of those people will help move the school. Rather, instead of dismissing an idea, try to think of HOW it might actually work for you. Then if you do see an issue, present a SOLUTION, not another problem. There will always be enough of those.
2) Remember, you cannot do your job alone and know that you are not the best at everything.
At the end of the day, it's not all about you or your position. The quicker you realize that, the better off you'll be because you WILL need a team to accomplish your goal(s). If your goal is to move to a higher position to make a bigger difference (hopefully not just a bigger paycheck), it's your colleagues who will get you there! Also, along the way, please, please, please never forget your humble beginnings and treat those who are where you started with the dignity and respect you wished was done with you at that time. You weren't an expert when you started, so keep please that in mind when setting expectations of others.
3) When problems arise, approach people one-on-one. No one likes a tattle-tale, a gossiper, or to be attacked.
I cannot stress this enough. Be respectful. The goal isn't to make the other person feel bad. The goal is to come to an understanding and listen to their side and for there to, ultimately, be a change made by one or both parties.
4) When you want to bring about change, consult your team whoever that may be.
You might have a great idea about how to make the library checkout run smoother or a lesson to be more engaging, but you need to ask your team or the person running it first. As in ASK for their input first, not TELL them about your idea and expect it to be done. Maybe they can add to your idea and the more buy in, the more likely your idea will be accepted.
5) Empower others! You are NOT there to be the boss and micromanage, but as an effective leader you create other leaders!
You know why!? Because it makes YOUR job easier and you stop complaining about what others AREN'T doing because complaining gets you absolutely nowhere! Teach others because most of the time they are willing to learn. People in education don't want to be ineffective and if given the opportunity to be taught how to be effective, they will want to learn. Also, micromanaging is the WORST thing you can do and the fastest way to get others to dislike you because you're automatically sending a message that people are incapable of doing their job without you.
6) You cannot complain about a colleague if you haven't talked to them about why you are complaining.
When a colleague does something that is upsetting and you complain about it to others, get ready to complain a million other times because that colleague probably has NO idea that they are being upsetting. So in order to spare you the stress and the potential of ruining work relationships, please let it go and if you can't do that, then confront that person in a non-threatening way and ask for their input on the situation before you impose your own feelings no matter how valid you may feel.
Don't just tell people what to do, but be an effective leader.
Happy Teaching!
