In this blog post, I share a reality TV fun fact about me and a connection from reality TV this week I made with remembering what’s truly important this school year (keeping the main thing, the main thing) along with 5 tips to do just that.
I am a little late jumping into blogging for the new school year but I’m finally here so let’s dive in! I am admittedly a T.V. junkie, I spend entirely too much time with it on as background noise or actually tuned into it. As we are in full swing of back to school season and the ever popular ice breaker question of “What’s something that others might not know about you?” is in high use, my go-to card that I pull from my sleeve to answer this is related to what I often joke as trash tv. Production from a popular dating series approached me to go through the process of possibly being on their show where hopefuls go on dates with a leading person who then gives out roses eliminating people until a Neil Lane ring is given out in the most dramatic finale yet.
Story time:
In my early adulthood, every Monday night used to be Family Night for my family. My parents, sisters, their boyfriends who became their husbands, and myself would get together for dinner and to watch reality television. Back in my early/mid 20’s before I got married I struggled with singleness, watched most of my friends and my siblings get married before me and wanted nothing more than to be married. I am a hispanic Catholic from a small town in New Mexico which meant my family wanted nothing more than to marry me off and start a family. So, their solution was to nominate me to be on one of our Monday night shows. My application went through and production people talked to me about video tapes and to go further in this. I didn’t go through with it but it’s always a good story.
Fast Forward to 2024:
I’m in my mid-thirties. I still love trash TV, though I haven’t watched The Bachelor/Bachelorette for a few years now. However, there was nothing on TV the night the season premiere of the season currently wrapping up aired and I watched it and somehow ended up watching this season. There was a guy on the show this season who often sounded like a movie or a textbook with some of his lines. Last night on the Men Tell All episode, Sam M. was made fun of for saying constantly, “Keep the main thing the main thing.” Of course Sam didn’t coin this phrase, anyone who knows Stephen Covey’s work knows he coined the phrase.
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
As we enter/have entered/are entering the new school year, let’s remember to keep the main thing the main thing: Human-centered leadership. Our primary focus should be on fostering #REALConnections (Relevant, Engaging, Authentic, Lasting Connections) with those we serve, ensuring that every decision we make is driven by the goal of creating meaningful experiences and supporting the holistic development of each student. As leaders, we often get caught up in the whirlwind of operational tasks, data points, and the countless demands that pull us in a million directions. But when we boil it down, the essence of our work is rooted in relationships and the well-being of the people we serve. I want to offer you 5 tips for doing what Sam M and Stephen Covey remind us to do.
5 Tips for Leaders to "Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing"
Prioritize Relationships Over Tasks
It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind of the job duties or the To Do Lists. However, the most impactful leaders are those who prioritize building and maintaining strong relationships with their people. Take time to connect with others on a personal level, whether it’s a quick check-in with a teacher or a conversation with a student in the hallway. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to be engaged and invested in the vision and the work we are doing. Remember Rita Pierson - kids don’t learn from people they don’t like - same concept.
Lead with Empathy and Understanding
Human-centered leadership begins with empathy. Understand the challenges and experiences of those you lead, and approach each situation with compassion. This doesn’t mean lowering expectations but rather ensuring that your expectations are realistic and supportive. When leaders model empathy, it creates a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, which in turn fosters a more positive and productive learning environment. I can admit I wasn’t always the most empathetic leader, I can really remember shifts in my leadership when my empathy improved and how it impacted culture shifts. I can attribute a lower than average turnover during COVID in staffing to this as a prime example of the impact of empathetic leadership.
Focus on Impactful Learning Experiences
While it’s crucial to meet academic standards and achieve measurable outcomes, it’s equally important to remember that our ultimate goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals who are equipped for life beyond the classroom. Ensure that your school’s curriculum and instructional strategies are designed to engage students deeply, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. When students are actively involved in their learning journey, the results naturally follow. We are here to empower the whole child, not just the academic part of them but we also have to balance that the reason we are in school is to educate.
Empower Your Team
A leader’s role isn’t just to guide but also to empower others to lead in their own right. Trust your teachers and staff to make decisions, take risks, and innovate. Provide them with the resources and support they need to be successful, but also give them the autonomy to try new approaches. When your team feels empowered, they’re more likely to take ownership of their work, leading to improved outcomes for students. This was always the reason I have always believed I exist as a leader - to empower others to be their best self and to reach their aspirations whatever that may be. If my AP had goals to be a principal that’s what I wanted to help them to grow into. If an educational assistant had a powerful voice and wanted to be a part of the Leadership Team then let’s find them a seat at the table. Whatever qualities a staff member had in them I wanted to help uncover them and empower them to use them to lead in their own way. My job is to equip them and serve them so that they could then turn around and do the same for kids and one another.
Reflect and Realign Regularly
In the fast-paced environment of a school, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Set aside time regularly to reflect on your leadership practices and the overall direction of your school. Are you staying true to your core values? Are you keeping your focus on student success and well-being? Use this reflection time to realign your efforts and make necessary adjustments. Staying grounded in your mission will help you navigate the complexities of the school year with clarity and purpose. It is not always pretty to uncover if you’re not keeping the main thing the main thing but it is vital - but it’s equally vital to celebrate when you are and looking in the mirror with an honest lens is the only way to do that.
While the demands of educational leadership are vast and varied, keeping the main thing the main thing—human-centered connections and student-centered learning—will guide us toward meaningful, impactful outcomes for our schools and communities. So, as you step into this school year, remember to lead with heart, empower others, and stay focused on what truly matters - making #REALConnections so that this school year is the best one yet.
I would love to be able to help support you as you and your team keep the main thing the main thing and make #RealConnections this year. If I can be an innovative thought partner and empower you through Leadership Coaching or help put some new tools in your educator's toolboxes to help them engage students let's jump on a Discovery Call - book one here!