In the whirlwind of educational leadership, controlling the clock is more about owning it than watching the minutes tick by. Andrew Marotta, a seasoned school leader from New York, brings a wealth of experience and energetic storytelling to help us master our schedules. With more than 20 years in educational leadership, his insights aren’t just theories but tried and tested strategies honed in on the real world of school administration.
The Challenge of Ownership Over Time
Every educator and school leader feels the daily tug-of-war between their agenda and the day’s demands. Marotta frames this challenge succinctly: “Do we own the day, or does the day own us?” This question sets the stage for a deeper dive into practical strategies for reclaiming control. Here are some ways to make strategic decisions that align with your core responsibilities:
- Prioritize Tasks: Start with what’s crucial for your role and your school’s needs.
- Delegate Wisely: Utilize your team effectively to share the workload.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Learn when to say no and when to defer tasks that do not align with your primary objectives.
These strategies lead to understanding that owning your time isn’t about squeezing more into the day—it’s about ensuring the right tasks fill the day. With that in mind, Marotta emphasizes a vital lesson for school leaders:
Engaging Activities to Enhance Learning
Marotta speaks about the importance of interactive learning, even for school leaders. He suggests engaging exercises like the fun number game used to break the ice and shift attendees into a learning mindset. “Pick a number between two and nine…now multiply that number by nine,” he instructs, guiding us through a series of steps to demonstrate how seemingly simple activities can sharpen our mental agility and readiness to tackle complex problems.
The Power of Connection and Reflection
Emphasizing the importance of trust and engagement in school leadership, Marotta advocates for activities designed to foster connections and encourage reflection among staff. These efforts aim to create a more cohesive and supportive school environment, essential for effective collaboration and growth. Here are some tips for fostering connections:
- Create Moments of Connection: Utilize simple interactive activities to build trust and open lines of communication across the team.
- Reflect on Daily Interactions: Encourage staff to contemplate how their daily interactions impact both their professional work and personal relationships within the school.
These strategies highlight that effective time management is deeply interconnected with our ability to understand and support our colleagues effectively.
Strategies for Sustainable Time Management
Owning your time also involves long-term planning and sustainability in your practices. Marotta underscores the importance of setting up systems and routines that ensure time is used efficiently not just today, but every day. “You have to schedule it. You have to work with it,” he asserts. Developing these systems requires understanding the ebb and flow of school life and adapting to its rhythms without losing sight of your goals. Here are some time-management strategies:
- Systematic Planning: Implement routines that standardize daily operations, reducing the need for last-minute decisions.
- Adaptability: Stay responsive to unforeseen challenges while maintaining core schedules and priorities.
- Regular Reviews: Set aside time weekly to review outcomes and refine strategies as necessary.
These actionable tips highlight the proactive nature of time ownership, where planning and adaptability converge to create a manageable and efficient work environment.
Stepping Into a More Organized Role
Owning your time in educational leadership requires a mix of practical strategies, personal insight, and proactive engagement. Andrew Marotta’s course, Owning Your Time, offers a comprehensive approach to mastering these elements. By embracing Marotta’s methods, from strategic prioritization to fostering connections, school leaders can transform their approach to time management, turning chaotic days into structured opportunities for success and growth.
Want to set yourself and school leaders up for success with continuous, year-long support? Explore the School Leadership Academy.
