- Jim Mercer
- 4 days ago
This week’s Tip: Working Longer Does Not Make You Better
A Stanford study determined that productivity per hour declines significantly when you work more than fifty hours a week. Since most school leaders exceed this amount it might be time to stop and think: “Do I work too much?” The study found that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and productivity drops off so much after 55 hours that there’s no point in working any more. That’s right, people who work as much as 70 hours (or more) per week actually get the same amount done as people who work 55 hours.
Why Effectiveness Drops:
Cognitive Fatigue: Extended hours impair focus, decision-making, and complex problem-solving.
Physical Exhaustion: Leads to stress, poor eating, less activity, and susceptibility to illness.
Sleep Deprivation: More hours worked beyond 8 can directly reduce sleep quality and quantity, impacting next-day performance.
Diminishing Returns: Research shows output gains plateau and then decline; some studies suggest performance plummets after 50-55 hours.
What can a leader do? Accept that you can never finish your work as a school leader. There is always more you would like to do. Use your TimeTrack. Your data shows the work you’ve accomplished. Set a reasonable time to go home each day. Most SAM teams schedule a “wrapping up” event to close the day. Then, the SAM says: “You had a great day. Let me walk you right out of here.”
When you leave at the end of the day, disconnect from tech. Turn off your cell phone. Staying available 24/7 keeps you from relaxing, resting, exercising and spending time with loved ones. Refocusing and recharging will make you happier and more effective when you return.
During the school day, consider a mindfulness break. Many SAM leaders take 15 minutes to get centered and focused. One Arizona principal says his best reflection happens when he walks the perimeter of his school property. He reports feeling refreshed with renewed enthusiasm and, sometimes, has creative ideas. Find what works for you.
Celebrate a win at every SAM Daily Meeting. This first of seven SAM Daily Meeting steps is critical. Each school leader needs to see that they are making progress and their work makes a difference.
I thoroughly enjoyed being Jenn David-Lang’s podcast guest last week. It was great talking with Jenn about how you, and other SAM team members, use the SAM process. I bet it will make you feel good, too!
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/em5TepdJ
19th Annual National SAM Conference
Registration link: https://registration.samprocess.com/
A few things to consider when planning to attend:
Ø The conference is January 15-18. 2026. Ø To be eligible to attend, you must be a SAM team member doing the process with efficacy, NSIP staff, Board member or presenter. Ø The conference will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort
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Keynote Speakers · Will Parker, Principals Matter: Living your Best Life as an Educator · Will Bowen, You Can’t Complain Your Way to Success · Tracie Swilley, The PrinciPAL Effect: Setting the Vibe, Energy, and Excellence Every Day · John Antonetti, Personal Response: Am I safe to share my thinking? · William Martinez, Signing the Song: The Power of Belonging
Pre-Conference All-Day Workshop Presenters · Jim Masters, Beyond Why and What – Getting to How School Leaders Make a Difference · Ken Williams, Better Teachers, Better Results: Where Students Learn Because Of US · Willow Sweeney, Top 20 Moves for Building Effective Staff and Student Relationships · Brendan Houdek and Caleb Shomaker: Executive Speaking Coaching Seminar |