Getting into administration early seemed to be regrettable. I felt as if I wasn't seasoned enough to handle the various situations which occur, and my inexperience would manifest itself with irrational decisions. However, I found a way to use it to my advantage and turned a seemingly disadvantage into a benefit.
My advice to a first year administrator or first year principal would be:
- Time is precious and your friend. There isn't enough of it, but since time flies be sure to use it when a tough decision is needed. Don't think the answer needs to be immediate. Pause!
- Find a sounding board. Befriend someone and use them to be the pulse of the school. Ask them to take off the friend hat and put on the critical friend hat. They will steer you right.
- Building problems. Most were there well before you and took time to become a problem and will take time to improve. Don't rush a solution, give it time to work and monitor it for effectiveness.
- Find your best programs, classes, etc. When you are down go visit them, it is therapeutic.
