2Principals Podcast

2P85: Summer Sunshine and School Leadership . . . Balancing Work and Play

In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost dive into the importance of balancing work and play during the summer months for school leaders. They discuss the challenges principals face in finding time for relaxation while managing administrative tasks and planning for the upcoming school year. The hosts share interesting statistics, including that 44% of working adults feel more stressed during summer, and emphasize the importance of taking breaks to improve job performance and overall wellbeing.
Jason and Kevin explore common barriers to relaxation, such as guilt and lack of time, especially for new principals. They offer practical advice on how to overcome these obstacles, stressing the importance of prioritizing self-care and integrating it into daily routines. The conversation then shifts to the benefits of sunlight, touching on its positive effects on bone health, mood enhancement, improved sleep, and immune function.
The hosts provide practical strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance during the summer, including setting schedules, creating boundaries, and prioritizing self-care activities. They introduce the concept of "micro self-care," encouraging listeners to incorporate small moments of relaxation throughout their day. The episode concludes with advice on disconnecting from technology to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing, reminding school leaders that taking care of themselves is necessary for effective leadership.

2P84: Vacay Your Way . . . A Principal's Guide to Summer Recharge

In this episode of the 2Principals Pod, we dive into the importance of summer vacations and spending time in nature for school leaders. We kick things off with a fun "would you rather" about travel preferences - plane or road trip? We share some personal anecdotes about family vacations and discuss why taking time off is crucial for principals' well-being.
We explore some interesting facts about summer vacations, including their historical origins and average costs. Did you know that 37% of Americans plan their summer vacations at least six months in advance? We also touch on the benefits of vacation planning and how it can boost happiness even before the trip begins.
We offer practical strategies for principals to ensure they take much-needed breaks, such as scheduling time off in advance and delegating responsibilities to team members. We emphasize the importance of trusting your staff and allowing them opportunities for growth.
No summer discussion is complete without mentioning bonfires! We share some fun facts about this timeless tradition and debate the best marshmallow roasting techniques.
We wrap up the episode with key pieces of advice: set boundaries between work and personal time, and prioritize your well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't a luxury - it's a necessity for becoming a better leader and creating a positive impact in your school.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and join us for this summer-themed episode that'll help you recharge your principal battery!

2P83: Summer Shenanigans and Recharging Your Leadership Batteries

In our latest episode of the 2Principals Podcast, we dive into the importance of summer break for school leaders. As principals, we recognize the need to unwind and recharge after a whirlwind school year. We discuss our personal plans for the summer, ranging from vacations to the North Shore and Sedona to local adventures like bike rides and hikes.
We emphasize the significance of disconnecting from work and finding creative ways to rejuvenate. Photography, gardening, and even bird watching are some of the activities we're looking forward to. We also touch on the importance of social connections, whether it's through backyard barbecues or spending time with family near water.
The conversation shifts to the broader concept of self-care and how it's crucial for school leaders to prioritize their well-being. We discuss the ripple effect of showing up refreshed and energized, and how it positively impacts our staff and students. We also highlight the importance of modeling self-care for our teams.
As we wrap up, we offer advice to our listeners on making the most of their summer break. We encourage trying new activities, stepping out of comfort zones, and not feeling guilty about taking time for oneself. We remind fellow educators that this break is a gift and embracing it wholeheartedly will lead to a more positive and energized return to school in the fall.
Overall, this episode serves as a reminder for school leaders to prioritize their own recharging during the summer months, setting the stage for a successful and vibrant new school year.

2P82: Cultivating Joy & Kindness . . . Leadership Insights with Greg Martin

In our latest episode of the 2Principals Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Greg Martin, Principal at Chaska Middle School East. Our conversation, titled "Cultivating Joy and Kindness: Leadership Insights from Greg Martin," was filled with valuable insights on leadership, mental health, and creating a positive school culture. Greg shared his journey from teacher to principal, starting with his walk-up song "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman, which reflects his philosophy on bringing people together and embracing individuality.
Throughout the episode, Greg emphasized the importance of intentional leadership and creating a culture where staff feel comfortable providing feedback and interrogating practices. He offered strategies for combating burnout, including setting boundaries and finding ways to build joy into daily routines. We also delved into the challenges of technology in schools, particularly the impact of smartphones on student mental health and social interactions.
Greg's passion for continuous learning and staying curious was evident as he encouraged leaders to seek out mentors and new experiences. He shared his practice of writing gratitude journals to strengthen relationships and recommended books like "The Ideal Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni and "The Culture Code" for building strong team dynamics. The episode concluded with Greg's powerful daily mantra: "Be kind, have fun, and learn something" – a simple yet effective approach to life and leadership.
Greg's insights offer valuable lessons for educators at all levels looking to create positive, thriving school environments. His passion for education and commitment to personal growth shone through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the field of education. Don't forget to visit our website at 2principals.com for more resources and information. Remember, a better you makes for a better today!
Where can you find Greg? marting@district112.org
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2P81: Leadership Lessons from the World of Sports Psychology

Sports psychology has seen tremendous growth in recent decades as elite athletes recognize its impact on performance and overall well-being. Studies show that incorporating sports psychology techniques can lead to a 10-15% improvement in athletic performance. The benefits extend beyond the playing field, including stress management, anxiety reduction, goal setting, confidence building, emotional regulation, mental toughness, teamwork, and communication skills. While acknowledging the potential barriers principals face, such as mindset shifts, time constraints, lack of awareness, and organizational culture, Kevin and Jason outlined four practical strategies leaders can implement.
First, commit to continuous learning about sports psychology through reading, attending workshops, or consulting experts. Second, carve out daily time for visualization, mentally rehearsing challenging scenarios and preparing for positive outcomes. Third, enhance a growth mindset by embracing challenges, celebrating learning opportunities, and empowering staff to stretch beyond perceived limits. Fourth, identify accountability partners, mentors, or trusted colleagues who can support your leadership growth journey through regular check-ins and feedback.
In closing, Kevin advised listeners to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, recognizing that setbacks are an essential part of the journey to greatness. Jason emphasized the importance of understanding and growing emotional intelligence to navigate interpersonal dynamics with empathy, adaptability, and emotional control.
Ultimately, Kevin and Jason encouraged exploring the lessons of sports psychology to unlock full potential, cultivate resilience, and lead with greater confidence and effectiveness. The journey to becoming a more impactful leader is continuous, but the rewards are immense.

2P80: Summertime Rejuvenation for Principals

In this episode, Kevin Jost and Jason Paurus are joined by Bob Driver, the Executive Director of MASSP (Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals), to discuss how principals can leverage the summer months for rejuvenation, strategic planning, and professional development.
The hosts begin by framing the discussion around the shift in focus that principals experience during the summer, from managing daily operations to long-term planning and preparation for the upcoming school year. They highlight several strategies principals can implement, including developing a comprehensive summer plan, engaging in professional development opportunities, reviewing and refining policies and procedures, strengthening school culture, overseeing facility improvements, and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.
The conversation then turns to the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being during the summer. Bob, Kevin, and Jason emphasize the need for principals to take breaks and vacations, practice intentional self-care through activities like exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices, nurture relationships and support systems, and consider seeking professional support if needed.
Bob Driver provides a detailed overview of the upcoming MASSP Summer Conference, scheduled from June 24th to 27th at Breezy Point. The conference promises a comprehensive lineup of keynote speakers, concurrent sessions, a dedicated middle-level experience, team-building and wellness activities, and opportunities for networking and celebration.
In closing, the hosts offer final pieces of advice for principals navigating the summer months. Jason challenges principals to work on themselves and prioritize inner work, whether through seeking professional support, starting a new routine, or implementing strategies for better work-life integration. Bob encourages principals to practice disconnecting from their phones and embracing moments of digital detachment. Kevin emphasizes the importance of having fun and finding ways to laugh, as laughter can be a powerful source of rejuvenation.
Overall, the episode underscores the unique opportunity that the summer presents for principals to prioritize their mental health, engage in strategic planning, and prepare themselves for a successful and impactful school year ahead.

2P79: Maintaining Boundaries and Achieving Work-Life Integration as a Principal

The latest episode of the 2Principals Podcast hosted by Kevin Jost and Jason Paurus is titled "Maintaining Boundaries and Achieving Work-Life Balance as a Principal." In the introduction, Kevin and Jason discuss the importance of work-life balance for principals and school leaders, sharing statistics that highlight the prevalence of burnout and poor work-life balance among principals.
The hosts delve into the barriers that principals face in achieving work-life balance, including the "always on" mentality and guilt for not being available 24/7, lack of prioritization and constant reactive mode, and difficulty disconnecting from work and setting boundaries.
To address these challenges, Kevin and Jason offer strategies for maintaining work-life balance, such as prioritizing tasks and responsibilities, delegating when necessary, scheduling regular breaks and time off (treating them as sacred), developing routines and rituals to transition between work and personal life, and embracing imperfection and letting go of the need for perfection.
As advice for principals, the hosts recommend embracing imperfection and accepting that you can't be everything to everyone. They also encourage principals to prioritize intentional self-care during the summer months, engaging in activities that nourish their well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or quality time with loved ones.
Throughout the episode, Kevin and Jason emphasize the importance of prioritizing personal well-being to be effective leaders and serve their schools and communities better. By maintaining boundaries and achieving a healthy work-life balance, principals can thrive in their roles while avoiding burnout and promoting overall well-being.

2P78: Fit to Lead

The latest episode of the 2Principals Podcast hosted by Kevin Jost and Jason Paurus focused on the impact of physical health on leadership abilities. They kicked things off with the song of the day, "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers from 1977, and a would you rather question about prioritizing exercise or having more free time.
The hosts then delved into the importance of physical health for leaders, sharing studies that show physically active leaders are more productive, make better decisions, and have improved cognitive function, emotional intelligence, and decision-making skills. However, they acknowledged the common barriers principals face like intense workloads, the sedentary nature of the job, stress/burnout, and school culture expectations around long hours.
To overcome these, Kevin and Jason provided practical strategies principals can implement such as building physical activity into their daily routines, getting creative with meeting formats like walking meetings or standing desks, and prioritizing self-care through breaks and deep breathing exercises. Overall, they stressed making physical health a priority rather than an afterthought.
The two principals then discussed their current routines and looked ahead to having more intentional, in-depth workout routines over the summer when things slow down a bit. Their pieces of advice were for principals to start small and be consistent with any new physical routine (Kevin), and to enlist support and accountability from others rather than going it alone (Jason).
In conclusion, the hosts emphasized that while physical health is often overlooked, it's a crucial aspect of effective leadership. By prioritizing it and using practical strategies, principals can improve their energy, focus, and overall abilities to lead their schools.

2P77: Cultivating Resilience and the Power of the Mind

In this episode, Kevin Jost and Jason Paurus delve into the topic of resilience - the remarkable ability to bounce back from adversity and harness inner strength in the face of life's challenges. They draw upon their own experiences and insights to unpack practical strategies for building resilience, the role of mindset in overcoming obstacles, and how top performers cultivate the mental toughness needed to succeed even in the toughest of circumstances.
The hosts begin by highlighting the significance of resilience, citing research that resilient individuals are 33% more likely to achieve their goals, report 23% higher job satisfaction, and are 19% less likely to experience burnout. They also discuss the barriers principals often face in developing resilience, such as the sheer volume of demands, immense pressure to perform, the tendency to neglect self-care, and the perceived need to project an image of invincibility.
Kevin and Jason then share practical strategies for cultivating resilience, including cultivating a growth mindset, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, developing self-awareness, implementing stress management techniques like mindfulness and exercise, building a strong support network, and celebrating small wins and progress.
The episode concludes with two pieces of advice from the hosts: Kevin emphasizes the importance of building self-awareness by understanding one's patterns, thoughts, emotional triggers, and default behaviors, while Jason stresses the need to prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

2P76: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health for Leaders

In this episode, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost tackle the critical issue of mental health challenges faced by leaders and the importance of breaking the stigma around discussing these issues. They share alarming statistics highlighting the prevalence of mental health struggles among principals and executives, as well as the costs of untreated conditions on leadership performance and organizational productivity.
Jason and Kevin delve into common barriers that prevent leaders from prioritizing their mental wellbeing, such as the perception of weakness, unsupportive school cultures, lack of resources, work overload, job security concerns, and generational/cultural stigmas. They then offer practical strategies for principals to help destigmatize mental health in their schools, including:
Leading by example and being vulnerable about personal experiences
Establishing clear mental health policies and providing access to resources
Offering training to recognize signs of burnout and coping strategies
Adjusting work environments, expectations, and protecting self-care time
Connecting with peer support networks and mental health professionals
Sharing anonymous data and personal stories to raise awareness
Celebrating small wins in prioritizing mental health
The hosts emphasize that by breaking the stigma, principals can create healthier school communities primed for success. They encourage leaders to lead with authenticity, cultivate cultures of compassion and support, and make mental health an utmost priority.