Meaning And Purpose Are Key To Principals’ Well-being

FOCUS ON WELLNESS

Meaning and purpose are key to principals’ well-being

By Julia Mahfouz

Categories: Leadership, Social & emotional learning

Burnout rates among principals are high, largely due to the immense pressure principals face in striving to achieve demanding academic standards for students, while simultaneously adapting to constant changes and effectively collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders during strenuous times. Lately, self-care and attending to one’s well-being have become a topic of frequent conversation in and outside of schools. Principals are often reminded to prioritize their own well-being by managing their time and setting boundaries, using self-care strategies and stress reduction techniques, maintaining a work-life balance, and attending to their own mental, social, and emotional health. While these practices are undoubtedly important, the focus on individual well-being can lead to a sense of detachment from the very people principals are serving and away from

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Julia Mahfouz

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Julia Mahfouz (julia.mahfouz@ucdenver.edu) is associate professor in the School of Education & Human Development and director of the Prosocial Leader Lab at the University of Colorado Denver.