In this new normal, educators are constantly reinventing the wheel, facing new obstacles every day, and having to find new strategies to reach and connect with their students…which is why we consider educators superheroes! These times lead many to wonder how leaders in education thrive in the face of disruption, build a culture that withstands the headwinds of change, and empower their teams to continue advancing.

We had the opportunity to interview Deedee Anderson, the two-time Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School™ principal of Lincoln Elementary in Lancaster, California. She was able to share insights on how she is overcoming burnout with her team and cultivating a positive culture on her campus. 

1.       When challenges arise, what strategies have you utilized to overcome them with your team?

Communication is key! I tend to be an over-communicator. I try not to send lengthy emails, but I send multiple emails throughout the week to keep my staff informed.  

Also, put simply, build relationships! This is truly the answer to a campus running smoothly. Someone wise once told me that I need to focus on my ‘stuff to do’ before teachers arrive on campus; that way, I am available to connect with my staff on a professional and personal level when they arrive. You have to connect with your staff in order to launch into more complex things. Realize that your staff is in different places, some need encouragement, and others need to be celebrated. Meet them where they are!

2.       What do you do to cultivate community, teacher, and student connectedness?

I know I’m repeating myself, but you have to build relationships. You have to connect, care about your staff, and create a culture where your team affirms each other. I do something called a “Drop in the Bucket” at weekly staff meetings. My team writes a note of thanks to one another to encourage or celebrate them. These then get posted in my weekly Monday Memos.

3.       How do you combat burnout with your staff and yourself?

It goes back to communication. I stay in touch with staff, so I know how to serve them, individually and collectively. I have to remember to extend grace to myself and my team during this time and know that it is okay not to have answers right away. I also look for new opportunities to spread joy. On Wednesdays, we post affirmation stickers on teachers’ doors and other staff areas. To help highlight good things happening in the school. 

4.       What are you doing to find joy in your work when it feels overwhelming?

I love my job, and I love coming to work each day. This work is my mission, and I know I have to make a difference every day, and I can do this by encouraging others, holding them accountable, and cheering them on. While this job can be overwhelming, I choose to focus on my “Why” and personal belief system. I choose to find good in all that goes on in a day.

5.       If you could share one piece of advice to encourage other leaders to help them cultivate a positive culture, what would that be?

Know that how you conduct business and how you lead make a huge difference! We have the power to positively or negatively impact our school community every day. “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Similarly, your staff is less likely to follow you or respect you until they know that you care about them. Building relationships is key to everything. Am I approachable? Am I someone they can trust? Am I someone who wants what is best for them? If I can answer yes to those questions, then my team will continue to do the hard work!

Working with students can be such a rewarding and wonderful job, providing the opportunity to influence students’ lives so that they can make a difference in the world. It is essential that as leaders, we remember to invest in our staff so that they can, in turn, invest in students. Let’s keep encouraging each other and focus on the difference we are making. 

Author: Shane Naterman

Are you and your team struggling with burnout?

Watch this short video from CKH founder Flip Flippen for more insights on overcoming this challenge!