5 Common First-Week Pitfalls Every School Leader Should Avoid This Year

The first week of school sets the tone for the entire year. Leaders face excitement and challenges as staff return and students arrive. Avoiding key pitfalls helps create a positive start.

Pitfall 1: Making Sweeping Changes Too Soon

New or returning leaders often rush to implement big ideas. This can alienate staff who feel unsettled after holidays.

Observe and listen first. Gather input through informal chats. Changes built on understanding gain better support.

Pitfall 2: Becoming Overwhelmed by Administrative Tasks

The first week brings paperwork, schedules, and urgent issues. Leaders risk getting buried in the office.

Delegate where possible. Prioritise visibility in hallways and classrooms. Block time for strategic thinking.

Pitfall 3: Holding Ineffective or Excessive Meetings

Staff return eager yet tired. Long meetings without clear purpose drain energy.

Keep meetings focused and short. Use agendas shared in advance. Include positive sharing to build morale.

Pitfall 4: Neglecting Visibility and Relationships

Staying behind the desk misses chances to connect. Staff and students need to see approachable leaders.

Be present at arrivals, breaks, and classrooms. Greet people by name. Small interactions foster trust early.

Pitfall 5: Ignoring Self-Care and Work-Life Balance

The busy week tempts leaders to work endlessly. This leads to quick burnout.

Set boundaries from day one. Schedule breaks and family time. Model balance for your team.

Why Avoiding These Pitfalls Matters

A strong first week builds momentum. It boosts staff engagement and student outcomes. Leaders who start well sustain energy throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

• Listen before changing practices.
• Delegate admin to stay visible.
• Plan purposeful meetings.
• Prioritise relationships daily.
• Protect your own wellbeing.

Conclusion

The first week of school offers a fresh opportunity. Sidestep these pitfalls to lead with confidence and positivity. Your school community will thank you.

For more on reflective leadership, see From Reflection to Action in School Improvement. Explore team building in Building Effective Leadership Teams in Schools.

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden