3 Ways Principals Can Stay Positive During Challenging Times

School leadership is deeply rewarding, but it also comes with unique pressures. From managing staff needs to supporting students and families, principals can carry the weight of the entire school community. When times are tough, it’s easy to feel pulled in every direction. Here are three practical ways to stay positive and model resilience for your team

1. Start With Visibility and Gratitude

Staff and students look to you to set the tone. Simply being present in hallways, classrooms, or greeting students at the door can set a positive mood. Pair this with gratitude!  Thank a teacher for trying a new strategy, acknowledge a someone's hard work, or recognize the effort they put in. Small moments of visibility and appreciation ripple across the building.

Action Step: Set a goal to praise at least 1 person a day.  Write a hand written note to provide specific positive praise to that staff member.

2. Protect Time for Connection, Not Just Tasks

It’s easy to get swallowed by emails, reports, and meetings. But connection fuels positivity. Take time to drop into classrooms just to observe learning (not evaluate), eat lunch with students, or check in with a teacher simply to ask how they’re doing. When people feel seen and valued, the school climate shifts even during challenges.

Action Step: Visit every classroom every day.   These can be short pop in visits where you just stroll around the room.

3. Model Balance and Optimism

Staff often mirror the leader’s energy. If you consistently run on empty, they’ll feel it. Protecting your own well-being by taking short breaks, practicing positivity in meetings, or sharing solutions instead of only problems shows others that optimism is possible, even under strain.

Action Step: Begin every staff meeting with a some POSITIVE "shout outs".  Allow staff to share something positive about other staff members.  At my school we call these "Rupert Raves." 

A principal’s positivity doesn’t come from ignoring difficulties.  It comes from leading with gratitude, connection, and optimism. When you model these practices, you not only support your own resilience but also inspire your staff and students to carry that same spirit forward.