167. The Paradox of School Leadership: Choice

When’s the last time you went to a huge buffet? While it seems like a treat to eat anything you want, you can’t eat it all—and that means you have to choose. The number of decisions you have to make in the buffet line is totally overwhelming.

In the same way, too many choices can feel paralyzing when it comes to our centers—for leadership, teachers, parents, and children.

Will the kids play with blocks or go outside? Which parent-teacher communication system will we use? Which professional development option should we pick? Which curriculum will we choose? Which payroll system is best?

Stop. Breathe.

The truth is, there is no right answer. There is no perfect choice. This is the paradox of choice that confronts us as school leaders.

This week, I invite you to explore the paradox of choice on the podcast, as we discuss:

• How to frame choices in terms of your values
• Which frameworks can guide your decision-making processes
• The inevitable grief and regret that can follow making a choice
• Low-stakes ways to build resilience for high-stakes decisions​
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Want a written summary of this episode?

Grab it here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/paradox

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/ 

 I can give you frameworks galore, but that can’t beat the individualized, laser-focused coaching support I offer during a Schools of Excellence Leadership Day Intensive. During the Intensive, you’ll receive a full day of on-demand, in-school training with me, plus various accountability check-ins, to help you and your team make choices, while building a healthier, stronger center. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/leadership/

For owners and directors who are looking for ongoing support in navigating the many choices that come along with school leadership, I invite you to apply to the Owner's HQ and Director's Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you'll receive access to tools, resources, coaching, and community to support your efforts to build a school of excellence. https://schoolsofexcellence.com/membership/

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.