After 80 Days... A Note to the Principal

It is now close to 80 days since the lockdown of humanity began and similarly the situation in SA. For human beings to be able to come to terms with the situation they find themselves in...and bear in mind this is understood differently by different people, I feel we need to look into how we lead them, how we interact with them. A few thoughts:

• Whilst staff are back and have been willing to be back, I am sure there is still hesitancy and concerns as they reflect on what is happening in our country and in many other places around the world. 
• I believe we need to address these concerns in obvious and also not so obvious ways...
• You, as the leader must continue to exercise your power and influence with grace and love...Spend time on your own, tell your secretary you are not available FOR ANY REASON, for a space of time in the morning for example...be in prayer and ask for deep guidance. He will give you what you need to carry the learners/staff and parents through these difficult times.
• I believe one of the areas that is practical is in the realm of giving...hence I have given the matrics (I call them my matrics/my children/my young adults/my leaders etc), their coffee station that is THEIRS alone and I will continue to supply whatever they may need there. In this space the matrics can feel valued above the rest of the school. They are here for a mere 4 months more and then they write and become numbers only. During this Covid pandemic time I feel they need us more than ever. This does not mean we pander to their whims but that we recognize them and can then expect them to provide what they need to provide. It is a way of showing deep love and caring whilst still expecting compliance and effort from them.
• In terms of the staff you have a leadership role over them which demands compliance and which they generally give and I am pleased you have spoken fairly harshly to your sons (as staff members) within the earshot of other staff as this sends a message to both the boys and the other staff that you do not trifle with the non negotiables in how you lead the school. No-one has favour as such, and that is good. (Acts 10: 9-22... Peter is told to do something which is totally against his wishes)
• What can we give to the staff? For one thing I agree with you in terms of the coffee/milk etc. I feel we should simply continue to supply these items without "counting the cost" as the cost will be offset by their continued good work and willingness to engage with what you require from them without complaint. It is not "buying" them but simply saying a quiet thankyou. 
• The parent body continues to both stress the situation as well as comply and make life easier. You have parents who will make life difficult by arriving late in the morning and forcing the team to have to stand outside and not be able to get on with their own other tasks etc. Apart of course from the fact that they have already been on site since 7am and it is cold. In addition you have parents who will not have arranged to have their children picked up after school on time. This is unfair on staff and also the children who may feel almost victimized by parents and the "invisible" eyes of those who have to sit and wait with them after school. What do we give compliant parents to "reward" them? I am not sure of how we can do this as it is fairly easy to isolate and complain to those who are late and one can also threaten and implement another "lockdown" by simply stating to all parents that at a certain time (decided on by you) the gates (in the morning) will be locked and the child will have to return home. In the  afternoon this becomes a little more challenging of course.
• Rewards for parents who have children always on time morning and afternoon? Well if the system is tightly run one can consider a framed certificate being given to the parent stating "Platinum Award" to (names) , parents of (names) for continued punctuality and making the lives of all concerned so much more easier during lockdown. And you sign it. This certificate can also be awarded digitally and placed on the parent site.
• We are certainly not living in "normal times" and one has to think way outside the proverbial box. Hence me saying...close your door, switch off your phone, and kneel before Him so that He can have an uninterrupted space with you...to speak, and embrace you to Himself.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter (wise lady) was once quoted as saying: "Power is America's last dirty word"- I think the world of leaders needs to think on this...