Stress Management

Based on Nicholson R (1989)
School Management - The role of the secondary headteacher;
Kogan Page ISBN 1850919240

Headteachers can suffer from stress when they feel that they are being blown like a dry leaf in the wind rather than being the herdsmen in control of their flock.

The following table lists a few things that a headteacher might do to help still the winds when they begin to blow too strongly.

Share

It can be lonely at the top. Find friends who can offer informal support and mutual appraisal. There are times when you must share problems and pressures so build a real management team on the basis of trust. Develop you own listening skills to make you more genuinely open to other people. Use trusted outsiders sometimes for an objective view. Don't bottle up feelings all the time in the belief that this is manly (or matronly?).

Be Fair to Yourself

Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. If godlike infallibility is expected of you then re-educate your staff - and yourself. Decide on short term, medium term and long term goals for yourself and your school - you cannot do everything immediately. Although you must be available to your staff you also need some time to yourself - make this clear. Say 'no' sometimes. Delegate sometimes when you first reaction is to do it yourself. Give yourself time to eat properly. Without being self-indulgent, look after yourself.

Build up your own job satisfaction

Work in areas that you know you enjoy without totally neglecting other areas. Notice the times when you feel good and why you feel good. Think and act positively. Every day you should look for and praise something good that is happening in the school. Celebrate the school's successes - look on the bright side.

Keep a multi-track mind

Maintain or develop interests outside of school. Try to take some exercise, laugh, relax on occasions. Give yourself some quiet time to think and reflect.

Use available technology and techniques. Investigate whether fax machines and computers etc might help with particular tasks. Learn techniques for managing your time and organising your activities. Try to analyse and respond to problems rather than just worrying about them. Use objective performance indicators to measure progress rather than making judgements according to your mood.