Professional Guidance – Managing Expectations Part 1
- Published: 08 September 2022
As school leaders, many of us believe that we are there to solve every problem brought to us and if we do not we have failed, bringing with it feelings of shame and inadequacy. Often when someone comes to us with a problem, certain expectations come into play. The other person can believe or expect that having come to you with their problem, they hand it over and now their problem becomes yours to solve. In addition, if you believe that you are there to solve all problems, then the burden quickly becomes yours.
This is where the expectations of others, but more importantly the expectations you have of yourself, have to be carefully managed. Managing self is one of the greatest challenges facing school leaders today, but both sets of expectations need consideration. Over the course of the next number of weeks in the Escéal, focus will be directed towards providing strategies to help you manage both.
For now, you might consider this scenario and reflect on your beliefs posed by the following questions.
What would you do with the following scenario?
Does it sound familiar?
A staff member comes to you at 2.30 on Friday afternoon, with a complaint about another staff member. They demand to know what you are going to do about it. You spend the weekend worrying about the situation and searching for ways to address it. Sunday afternoon finds you dreading the following day, as you know it will be difficult.
Who is responsible for addressing this issue?
Where do rights vs responsibilities fit into this scenario?
What part does communication play in it?
How will you manage yourself?
Note: Should you find yourself facing a difficult situation or need to have a challenging conversation, IPPN’s Leadership Support Team is there to guide and support you. Contact the Support Office on 021 4824070 or email advice@ippn.ie.
