Question: What’s Your Administrator’s Motto?

Recently, a teacher asked me, “So, what’s the administrator’s motto?” I didn’t have an immediate response, so I started speaking about what I felt was most important in our role as administrators. As I went through each point, this teacher stopped me mid-sentence and said, “There! See! It’s right there!” That simple interruption marked a moment of realization for me, and since then, I’ve arrived at a few conclusions about what begins to define effective administration:

1. Relationships matter: Teachers, parents, students, support staff, and fellow administrators form a school’s essential support network. When these relationships are strained, trust and productivity suffer. Similarly, an administrator who neglects to build these bonds can struggle to make a meaningful impact.
2. Don’t ignore anything: As administrators, we must take every report seriously. Seemingly minor issues can grow into larger concerns if left unchecked. While administrators don’t have infinite bandwidth, it’s crucial to conduct due diligence and address potential problems proactively.
3. Document, document, document: Experience has shown me that when things aren’t documented, they can come back to haunt you. Contact notes, follow-up emails, and incident records aren’t just procedural—these records are vital references for when a small issue later escalates. Consistent documentation provides a clear history that can shed light on complex issues and help us make informed decisions.
4. If you know something, say something: One of the biggest obstacles to effective administration is when a team member holds back crucial information. Administrators often each hold parts of a bigger picture, so sharing insights helps solve issues collaboratively.
5. Own it: Stand by your decisions, but also be open to self-correction and feedback from teachers, administrators, parents, and students.

So, while none of this may seem revolutionary, it’s invaluable advice, especially for newer administrators.

Now that you’ve seen my top five (and trust me, I have a laundry list to add here), I’d love to hear from you: What motto guides your approach to administration?