"Team" is a Verb.

I was recently asked to respond to the following question:

What are you most grateful for in your current role?

I answered without hesitation.

My team.

Much has been written about teacher isolation and the need for educators to foster collaborative relationships with colleagues. Whether separated by grade level, content area or the physical layout of a school itself, isolation can lead to stagnation and burn out. There is little debate that isolation has a negative impact on teachers, and by extension, their students. 

However, I would suggest that the need for a supportive, collaborative team for administrators is of equal importance. As the role of school administrator evolves, so do the associated stressors. As such, "going it alone" is no longer a feasible, nor a professionally responsible option. 

I am incredibly fortunate in my current role that my team consists of four administrators; a principal and three vice principals. However, numbers alone do not necessarily equate to a lack of isolation. 

"Team" is a verb, not a noun. 

Creating a strong team requires intentional, focussed action. As with any relationship, it takes time to establish trust. 

In addition to formal coaching and mentoring structures, I would suggest that more informal structures are also needed to build cohesive, effective teams. But in the midst of hectic and often stressful days, how can we "build in" both formal and informal structures? 

Below are five simple strategies to help build strong teams. 

1. Share your stories. Understanding the unique context that each member of your team brings with them to work every day is absolutely necessary. Whether it's young children, aging parents or a recent divorce, each of us has external stressors that may impact our lives on a daily basis. By sharing our stories with our team, we can offer additional supports when needed. 

2. Share the load. Although each member of an admin team may have different portfolios, with distinct tasks and responsibilities, offering a helping hand goes a long way. One of my most inspiring principals would often help stack chairs alongside the custodian and vice-principals at the end of lunch. 

3. Share your food. Most administrators eat hunched over a keyboard, or snack in their car between meetings. Food should be social. Scheduling time at least once a week to sit down with your admin team to eat lunch together can be enormously beneficial, not only for physical health, but also for mental well-being. 

4. Share your learning. Whether it's sharing Professional Growth Plan goals, or attending workshops together, learning alongside your team can help to inspire and sustain ongoing growth, both for ourselves and for our team members. 

5. Share (and celebrate) your successes. Sometimes we forget to acknowledge the great work of those closest to us. Along with "high five-ing" students, and giving kudos to exceptional staff, it's important to do the same for members of our team. A simple thank-you, a card (or a bottle of wine) goes a long way!

Ultimately, taking care of our team allows us to take care of our school communities and organizations. Leadership is a team sport.