Why Leading with Love Should Be Your Focus This Valentine's Day

Leading with Love: Self-Care for School Administrators This Valentine’s Day

As school administrators, we pour so much of ourselves into supporting our staff, students, and school communities. But on this Valentine’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of showing ourselves love through self-care. When we prioritize our own well-being, we not only function at our best but also model healthy boundaries for those we lead.

Here are three practical ways to practice self-care while demonstrating its importance to your staff:

1. Reconsider the Midnight Emails – Use Schedule Send

We often work late into the night, drafting emails, responding to messages, and tackling endless to-do lists. However, sending emails at all hours can create the expectation that others should also be working late. Instead, use the schedule send feature to deliver emails during working hours. This small change sends a powerful message: Boundaries matter, and rest is essential.

2. Encourage Leaving on Time

It is easy to get caught up in the mindset that staying late means working harder, but that isn’t sustainable. Make it a habit to leave the building at a reasonable hour—and encourage your staff to do the same. Even better, make occasional announcements reminding educators that their personal lives matter just as much as their professional ones. When they see you prioritizing work-life balance, they will feel empowered to do the same.

3. Extend a Deadline When Possible

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support both yourself and your staff is by recognizing when a deadline can be adjusted. Giving teachers and staff extra time to complete tasks, when appropriate, can reduce stress and prevent burnout. It’s a reminder that productivity should not come at the expense of well-being.

Lead with Self-Care, Lead with Love

This Valentine’s Day, let’s commit to leading by example. By setting healthy boundaries, encouraging balance, and showing flexibility, we create a culture where self-care is not just encouraged but expected. When we care for ourselves, we serve our schools better—and that’s the best gift we can give our staff and students.

What is one self-care habit you are committing to this week? Share in the comments, and let’s support each other and lead with love!