I have said it once, and I will boldly say it again here. Being a principal has to be one of the toughest jobs in education. Of course this is my own opinion, and it’s my website, so I can pretty much say what I want to here. 🙂
I still remember my first principal job. I remember one of our teachers telling me later in my first year that she thought I would be a push over because I had a big smile on my face in the press release that was in the paper. It didn’t help either that I was a young fella. One thing that I enjoyed as a teacher and an assistant principal was that I always had pretty good student-teacher and administrator relationships. I figured out early on that if they knew you cared, they would never let you down. I struggled though early on because I did not want the students to not behave well. The previous principal did a great job with them, and I didn’t want to lose that. One thing I had to realize was that I had to be Herbert. I simply couldn’t be anyone else. I wanted to enjoy the students, and I wanted them to enjoy the school. So I woke up one morning and decided that I wouldn’t let anything get in the way of having great relationships with our students.
It hit me! Everyday had to be a day of hugs, handshakes, and high fives! Why? Because kids need it! You do not know what they are bringing into the school, and as the school leader you have the ability to brighten their day each day. I challenge every principal to greet their students with either a hug, handshake, or a high five each day. My students learned quickly that I would show love, have fun, and cut up with them everyday. With that in mind all students had to live up to the expectations that we set for them, and I meant it. They knew I didn’t play. Their education was far too important.
At every level, intermediate, middle and high school I continued to give hugs, handshakes, and high fives. It worked for me, and I never allowed the effective operational management of the campus to suffer. It was quite okay that some of them liked their principal. By the way, it made for a much better day!
So whatever it is: a hug, a handshake, or a high-five, find what works for that particular student. Get to know their names, and have fun with them. You have a tough job, you might as well have fun with the students while you do it.
Herbert
You are awesome. You have all the qualities to lead and make a difference. How fortunate your teachers and students are to see a welcoming smile in lieu of a snarling growl. Success to you now and always.
Thank you Karan! (I called you by your first name, I’m grown now-Lol) I try my best!
Yes, you are grown now!!!
You’re so right. You have to show you care., and you gave to genuinely care. Without it, there’s no impact in their lives because there’s no real positive change. You are a great princiPAL.
Love it, this is so true because you never know the impact that you have on someone’s life! It’s always the little things that count. A simple” hug, handshake or high five” can truly brighten someone’s day! So thank you for your handshakes and good mornings down our hallway!!!
Enjoyed you this morning!
You have always been a positive motivator Herbert! So very proud of you & the work you are doing at your new school. You will inspire not only your kids, but your sraff as well. Keep up the good work
Thanks Shalon! I appreciate those words!
Such an awesome young man and my wonderful son, too. Love you
Such an awesome young man and my wonderful son, too. Love you
I love Herb! You have a wonderful personality. The God in your life is allowing you to be the person you are. Miss you and God Bless!
Thanks Kumina! I appreciate you reading my scattered remarks! I miss you too! We used to have lots of fun!
This is an awesome post. It’s the fundamental things that make the biggest difference. This is how I meet and greet every student I encounter. Student support is key in making the biggest impact
Great post!
So True Cousin, and Great Words to Live by…. You are Truly Awesome and I’m Thankful for being Related and Connected to Greatness and a Family of Truth Wisdom, Pride, and Faithful Believers “Walking Out Their Faith” ?
Thank you Tom!
I appreciate that! Trying! Have a great first day back!
Herbert
Thank you for your truth. …deep relationships is. Ritual to leading students and teachers. Thank you for reminding us of the power hugs, hands shakes and high fives can make.
Helena,
Thanks for reading! I hope all is going great for you!
Thank you for your truth. …deep relationships is. Critical to leading students and teachers. Thank you for reminding us of the power hugs, hands shakes and high fives can make.
You were the first principal to hire me as a counselor and I thank you for that opportunity! What a year of fun we had! I had right at 800 kids (7th & 8th graders) by myself and was a new counselor! I never felt stressed or overwhelmed because I had a great leader..,YOU!
You were great for us Brandy! Hope all is well!
How did I just find out about your website? I’m always behind the time. Lol! You are truly an awesome young man and have been a leader all of your life. Continue to excel in all that you do. Love you!
Inspiring!
You my friend are 100% correct. I’ll just stop right there and end with a huge AMEN. I will certainly miss that smile and POSITIVE ATTITUDE each day. I will continue walking into that office saying good morning to beautiful people, but just know I’m still saying good morning to you as well.
Thanks Coach!