The Principal's Handbook

Barb Flowers
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PROFESIONES
  • CADA SEMANA

Are you feeling swamped by the demands of being a principal? From juggling emails, calls, and decisions to boosting test scores and wading through endless paperwork, the pressure is real. But imagine a scenario where you no longer feel this overwhelming stress. Picture yourself as a more resilient leader, concentrating on enhancing your school rather than merely coping with the daily tasks that currently consume your time. I‘m Barb Flowers. Drawing upon my eight-year experience as an elementary principal, with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and certification as a life coach, Along the way, I've mentored and coached school leaders, guiding them to change their mindset, set boundaries and focus on their own well-being while navigating their roles. Each episode offers practical insights on time management, communication, overcoming overwhelm, boosting confidence, and fostering a positive mindset. We'll also discuss topics like working with stakeholders, implementing new initiatives, and managing discipline. Let's set boundaries, focus on well-being, and reignite your passion for being a principal. Welcome to "The Principal's Handbook." I firmly believe that to be an impactful educator, you must first become a confident and well-rounded individual. Join us in this journey to empower and enhance your confidence as a school leader.

  1. HACE 1 DÍA

    Five Common Discipline Mistakes Principals Make

    Is discipline running your day more than instruction is? In this episode, you’ll learn how to spot the discipline habits that quietly drain your time, energy, and confidence, and what to do instead so you can lead with more calm and consistency. How to stop treating every discipline call like an emergencyWhat to do when emotions, pressure, or fatigue are driving your consequencesHow to set boundaries so you are not owning problems that belong in the classroomThe Tier 1 clarity that reduces repeat behaviors and restores trust with staffCheck out The Principal's Discipline Blueprint and The Tier 1 Behavior Blueprint. We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    22 min
  2. “Why Does Everything Fall on Me?” - How to Lead Without Carrying the Whole School

    17 FEB

    “Why Does Everything Fall on Me?” - How to Lead Without Carrying the Whole School

    Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “Why does everything fall on me?” In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the biggest mindset traps principals slip into—the belief that they must carry the entire school on their shoulders. You’ll learn why highly capable, high-capacity leaders often become the default problem solver, how this pattern unintentionally trains your staff to rely on you, and what it takes to shift out of that role. We’ll explore the Problem-Solver Trap, the thoughts that keep you catching every task, and how delegation becomes a powerful form of capacity building rather than “giving things away.” By the end, you’ll walk away with practical reflection questions, identity shifts, and delegation strategies that help you stop firefighting and start leading with clarity, calm, and confidence. If you’re ready to stop carrying everything yourself—and start building a school full of empowered problem solvers—this episode is for you. Check out The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint here. We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    23 min
  3. Clarity is a Leadership Skill with Casey Watts

    10 FEB

    Clarity is a Leadership Skill with Casey Watts

    In this episode, Barb talks with leadership expert Casey Watts about why clarity—not effort—is often what’s missing when initiatives stall or staff buy-in fades. Casey shares how her Clarity Cycle Framework helps leaders align expectations, transfer ownership, and create follow-through without adding more to their plates. They explore how unclear roles fuel overwhelm, why resistance is often a clarity issue, and how “painting done” leads to stronger leadership and better results. This episode is a must-listen for principals who want more alignment, less frustration, and a clearer focus in their leadership. Find Casey on her website catchingupwithcasey.com or LinkedIn. We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    28 min

  4. 7 FEB

    Rethinking the Open Door Policy as a Principal

    Does being a great principal mean being available all day, every day? In this episode, Barb challenges the traditional “open door policy” and the idea of people over paperwork and shares a more sustainable way to lead. Because when you’re constantly available, the work doesn’t disappear… it just follows you home. You’ll learn how focus blocks, visibility, and clear boundaries actually make you more supportive, not less,  while protecting your time, energy, and family life. If you’re tired of staying late and wondering why the work never ends, this conversation will help you lead with intention instead of urgency. Sign up for The 8 to 4 Principal Group Coaching Intensive on February 7th and you will get a free one-on-one coaching session. We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    14 min
  5. Three Common Mistakes Principals Make Around Time Management

    3 FEB

    Three Common Mistakes Principals Make Around Time Management

    This episode breaks down three common time management mistakes that quietly keep principals overwhelmed and stretched too thin. It explains how unrealistic self-expectations, weak or missing systems, and a constant focus on urgency instead of priorities drain time and energy. The takeaway is that better time management isn’t about working harder, it’s about setting sustainable expectations, building systems that reduce reactivity, and intentionally protecting time for the leadership work that actually moves a school forward. If you’re ready to stop reacting all day and start leading with intention, join The 8 to 4 Principal Group Coaching Intensive starting February 8th and learn how to reclaim your time without sacrificing impact. Follow me on Instagram @DrBarbFlowers and TikTok @The8to4Principal We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    19 min
  6. Why You’re Still Working After 4 — and How to Fix It

    27 ENE

    Why You’re Still Working After 4 — and How to Fix It

    You’re still working late not because you lack motivation or discipline, but because the workday is built around constant interruptions and urgency. When everything feels immediate, it pulls you into a reaction cycle that pushes real leadership work to nights and weekends. The key shift is learning to separate true emergencies from noise, setting clear decision rules for what can wait, and anchoring your day around a few priorities before the building takes over. Ending the day intentionally—rather than when everything is finished—helps break the habit of carrying work home. Lasting change comes from adjusting both structure and mindset, so leaving on time becomes part of how you lead, not something you feel guilty about. We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    39 min

  7. 20 ENE

    Leading Through Burnout: What Principals Can Do When You're Exhausted

    Are you leading your school while secretly running on empty? In this episode, we’re diving into what principal burnout really looks like—and what you can do when you’re exhausted but still expected to lead with clarity, confidence, and calm. Whether you’re already feeling the weight of constant interruptions, decision fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, or you want to prevent burnout before it takes hold, this episode will help you reset. Barb breaks down burnout warning signs, the six burnout profiles she sees most often in principals, and three high-impact resets you can implement this week to reclaim your energy and protect your time. You’ll learn how to set simple, realistic boundaries, build protected work blocks into your day, and use the TEA Cycle to shift the thoughts fueling your overwhelm. Barb also shares strategies for rebuilding your mental and physical energy—so you can reconnect to the parts of leadership you actually love. If you want practical tools for recovering from or preventing burnout, this episode is your roadmap back to feeling grounded, capable, and in control again. Check out The Principal's Burnout Toolkit We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    17 min

  8. 13 ENE

    How to Mentally Disconnect from School as a Principal

    What would your evenings look like if you could truly shut off your principal brain?  In this episode, we talk about how to reduce rumination, calm your nervous system, and disconnect from the constant urgency of school leadership. You’ll learn exactly why your brain gets stuck replaying conversations, pre-planning tomorrow, or checking email “just one more time.” Then we’ll walk through practical tools and end-of-day routines that help you mentally close out your day. You’ll walk away with strategies you can use tonight to feel lighter, clearer, and more present at home. Get my free checklist to disconnect from school. Check out The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint. We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time.  These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

    20 min
Ver todo (137)

Tráiler

Acerca de

Are you feeling swamped by the demands of being a principal? From juggling emails, calls, and decisions to boosting test scores and wading through endless paperwork, the pressure is real. But imagine a scenario where you no longer feel this overwhelming stress. Picture yourself as a more resilient leader, concentrating on enhancing your school rather than merely coping with the daily tasks that currently consume your time. I‘m Barb Flowers. Drawing upon my eight-year experience as an elementary principal, with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and certification as a life coach, Along the way, I've mentored and coached school leaders, guiding them to change their mindset, set boundaries and focus on their own well-being while navigating their roles. Each episode offers practical insights on time management, communication, overcoming overwhelm, boosting confidence, and fostering a positive mindset. We'll also discuss topics like working with stakeholders, implementing new initiatives, and managing discipline. Let's set boundaries, focus on well-being, and reignite your passion for being a principal. Welcome to "The Principal's Handbook." I firmly believe that to be an impactful educator, you must first become a confident and well-rounded individual. Join us in this journey to empower and enhance your confidence as a school leader.

Información

  • Creador
    Barb Flowers
  • Años de actividad
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodios
    137
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Principal's Handbook

También te podría interesar