I recently coached a new principal who was eager to make a strong impression on her staff. As we discussed her challenges, a pattern emerged—she was frequently overworking her team by texting them in the evenings and on weekends, unable to fully detach from work. Her drive to succeed in her first year was so intense that she didn’t realize she was inadvertently poisoning the well. Despite having an incredible staff, always willing to give 100%, her actions were setting them up for burnout—the very people she needed most on her side.
As leaders, we often emphasize the importance of productivity, but do we equally respect the value of rest? Boundaries around downtime are essential, not just for personal well-being but also for sustaining high performance in the workplace.
Are you encouraging your team to disconnect and recharge, or are the demands of the job creeping into their personal time? It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking more hours equal more results. But in truth, when we don’t respect boundaries, we contribute to burnout, reduced creativity, and lower morale. Everyone needs to create space in their life to recharge and refuel.
Respecting your staff’s downtime is about more than work-life balance—it's about fostering a culture where rest is valued as much as hard work. It’s about respecting your team’s personal time and acknowledging that that life does not start and end with work.
So ask yourself: Am I modeling the behavior I expect from my team? Do I schedule emails for the next day and avoid texting in the evening and on weekends? When leaders set clear, healthy boundaries, they empower staff to do the same, leading to a more energized and motivated workforce.
If this resonates with you, and you know someone who needs to read this blog, send it their way!
Also...
Book Club Invite
Last week, I launched our book club, where we're diving into The First-Year Principal: 52 Practical Lessons to Help New Principals Thrive as Conscious Leaders! It’s completely FREE, and we already have participants worldwide—how exciting that the book has gone global! Want to learn more? Check it out HERE
Private FB Community - The First-Year Principal Support Squad
Our community is growing every day, and we’d love for you to join us! Last night, I hosted a Facebook Live where I broke down a case study. It’s a fantastic way to connect with other like-minded leaders, so join us today by clicking this LINK.
1:1 Coaching
I’ve recently revamped my coaching packages if you're looking for personalized support. Sometimes all you need is that extra push to get unstuck. Learn more HERE.
That's all for now!
Until next time,
Here's to your growth!
Daphne
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