- Jim Mercer
- 3 days ago
This week’s tip: Slow Down, You Move too Fast
Most school leaders feel the need for speed. The enormous weight of tasks, coupled with frequent interruptions, can prompt the leader to act too fast, often without listening and understanding.
When approached, some leaders say they can’t stop, they don’t have time. The don’t even hear what the teacher wants. “I have to get to Mrs. Stevens room for the science PLC.” Or “I have a meeting at the district office and have to run.”
The first rule of school leadership is to make the other person feel important. A leader achieves the exact opposite by moving too fast.
The second rule is to focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.
How do effective school leaders follow both rules? They use three SAM steps:
When someone wants your time, slow down. Make eye contact. Smile. Say: “You are more important than a moment of my time. What’s it about?”
Triage. Determine what you do next based on what you hear. For example:
“I’m sorry the copy machine isn’t working. No worries. We’ve got you covered. Mrs. Stevens in the front office is the First Responder. She will copy the worksheet for you on the office machine. She’ll also arrange for repair of the staff room copier.” Using a First Responder allows you to get help faster for the teacher.
“I am really pleased you want to talk with me about John’s lack of attention in class. I think we need to give this the time it deserves. Please see Victoria in the front office. She will show you the times I have available today and tomorrow. Pick a 30-minute appointment and we will work on this together. Scheduling a time respects the teacher and the complexity of the situation.
“Your husband was in a car accident and is on the way to the hospital? Of course I will take your class right now. I’ll also arrange for coverage for the rest of the day. Do you need help getting to the hospital?” Showing your compassion and care for others goes a long way in building trust.
During the SAM Daily Meeting, talk about your triage decisions and what follow up might be in order. Perhaps thank Mrs. Stevens for being a First Responders for copy issues. Check that a time has been set for you to have a conversation with the teacher about John’s attention in class. Definitely schedule time to check-in with the teacher whose husband was in a car accident.
It all starts with slowing down and listening. It allows you to make the other person feel important. It allows you to do what you can, rather than what you can’t. This build the culture you want in your school to benefit students.
Weather closed schools in many districts this month across the country. Time Change Coach Deb Sykes shared this article with helpful ideas for principals:
Congratulations to Aimee Sivak, Iowa’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Pictured with Cardinal ES SAM principal Alisha Evans, Aimee shared:
“I am truly honored and grateful to receive this award. I feel privileged to serve others and to work alongside such dedicated and talented educators who show up every day to make a difference. Collaboration and strong partnerships make great things happen —especially when we think outside the box and work together to strengthen programs and secure funding that support students in meaningful ways. One of our keys to success is constant reflection on where our time is spent each day!”
It is budget time in most schools and districts. Be sure to include your SAM services for the 2026-27 school year. You can request an early invoice now by using this link: https://bit.ly/40GtA33
