Finding your inner Alice in Wonderland—setting intentions for EAs in Education!
I was inspired while on holidays by the recent viewing of the classic tale Alice in Wonderland (I really liked the version where Johnny Depp plays the Mad Hatter). As Alice was fighting the Jabberwocky, she refers to doing ‘six impossible things before breakfast.’
Although as Education EAs, we do occasionally perform slightly impossible feats, I’m spinning it to to be six possible things we will conquer together in 2024.
I challenge you this year to BELIEVE IN THE POSSIBLE, take ownership, think outside the box and open up to new ways of viewing things (just like Alice!).
Here are our six possible things as EAs in Education:
Be kind in our interactions, conversations and in the giving of our time to build strong relationships - despite constant daily interruptions and the never-ending revolving door! It only takes a moment to say hello, give a wave, offer a smile, or make an extra cup of tea. And it will serve you so well in creating that all-important sense of belonging in your school environment.
Commit to self-care. If we don't look after ourselves, we can't look after others - take your breaks daily, get up from your desk (we sit for far too long) go for a walk outside, get some fresh air. I know it can seem like you don’t have the time and need to work through, but actually will get more done if you take some time to look after your own needs! And if your workload is a source of stress, check out my tips for boundary setting.
Use our leadership skills, continuous learning, strengths and characteristics to increase our efficiencies and productivity - to ensure our Senior Executives are well supported and able to focus on the bigger rocks. This is the core of our job! And we are really good at it. Many of our EAs find our conversation workshops are great for this.
Seek out support / ask questions - we are fortunate to work in an environment surrounded by so many amazingly talented educators who support our learning and growth both professionally and personally - treat this as a gift. In our EAs in Education workshops, we also hear from a special guest speaker who will provide professional learning relevant and productive to our roles. Many of our guest speakers are working or have worked within the education industry, and have a deep understanding of the environment and its unique challenges.
Continuously work and build on your professional relationship with your Senior Executive, communicate and have regular conversations to mutually support one another - in doing so you can create an unstoppable strategic partnership for your school. Here are some great tips on how to build a relationship with your Senior Executive.
Learn and instil the Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant (Jeremy Burrows - The Leader Assistant) to give you the confidence and ability to conquer challenges and be the best versions of ourselves.
Your Senior Executive and School Community needs you!
If you’re feeling a bit isolated in your role, and would like to benefit from the support, advice and learnings of a group of likeminded Education Administrative Professionals working for Executive Senior Leadership Teams in schools - consider joining our community - a national network dedicated solely to supporting Education EAs!
