S1 E43 Heartfelt Leadership: Supporting Staff Through the Holidays and Beyond

School Leader Soundbites

Welcome to School Leader Soundbites, a podcast dedicated to empowering K-12 leaders with the latest insights and strategies in marketing and communications! Today, we are discussing Heartfelt Leadership: Supporting Staff Through the Holidays and Beyond.

◾Acknowledge that there are seasonal stressors

-Holidays can bring about a lot of mixed emotions, stress, and financial strain

-In education, we are halfway through the school year and starting to feel exhausted- seasonal affective disorder can also impact staff and students this time of year

◾Lead with sensitivity to all cultural beliefs

-Some communities may not celebrate the same holidays we do or celebrate at different times

-Practice inclusivity and include acknowledgement of other cultures’ celebrations

◾Empathy-driven leadership- how to show that you care

-Some are born with a lot of natural empathy and some are not, that’s ok, you can develop it

-Create a safe space for communication and sharing ideas, make sure everyone feels safe

◾Be flexible and supportive if someone needs to take time off

-Support staff to find work-life balance and take time off if needed

-Mental health is so important, we must give them safe spaces to express things they might be struggling with

◾Promote self-care

-Model self-care- drink water, remind others to drink water, model and encourage walking

-Ideas: Positive affirmations, walking challenge, no meeting days, handwritten notes about what you are thankful for with staff

◾Look ahead and set the tone for the new year

-Set a positive tone for staff returning after the break, ask them about the fun things they did

-Refocus and sit inside of gratitude

-Share what you are doing with parents and encourage families to do the same

If you need any assistance with this, head to veronicavsopher.com. If you want more info, please contact me or drop questions in the comments and be sure to share this episode with your colleagues! If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, I'm here to listen. Thanks for tuning in to School Leader Soundbites.

*School Leader Soundbites* is your essential podcast for navigating the complex world of K-12 leadership with confidence and clarity. Hosted by Veronica V. Sopher, a 25-year veteran in school public relations, this podcast delivers actionable insights and innovative strategies to elevate your school's marketing and communications efforts. Veronica V. Sopher is the strategic designer behind several award-winning marketing campaigns and has crafted winning bond and tax rate communications plans. With extensive experience in crisis management—including handling weapons and deaths on campus, natural disasters, and polarized political landscapes—Veronica is an expert passionate about public education as the great equalizer. Join Veronica as she shares her expertise and offers practical tips that will optimize your leadership and support your district's goals. Whether you're looking to enhance community engagement, improve transparency, or turn feedback into actionable results, *School Leader Soundbites* provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Sponsored by K12 Insight, this podcast is more than just a resource—it's a catalyst for meaningful change. Discover how K12 Insight’s solutions can strengthen relationships with parents, students, and staff, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within your school community. Veronica is also available for consulting and public speaking, specializing in leadership development and executive coaching. Tune in and transform your leadership journey with insights that make a real difference.

Find me at: https://www.veronicavsopher.com/

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