The 10 Things Every Principal Must Do Before Day One #280

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August can feel like a race against the clock for school leaders. Between staffing, schedules, professional development, technology, and a never-ending to-do list, it's easy to believe that success comes from simply getting everything checked off. But experienced principals know there's a better way.

In this episode, Dr. Mel shares the priorities that have the greatest impact before students ever walk through the doors. Rather than focusing on doing more, you'll learn how to focus on what matters most through the three leadership systems—Leader, Logistics, and Learning. If you're a new principal or early-career school leader, this episode will help you begin the school year with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

In This Episode

• Why a longer checklist doesn't always lead to a stronger school year.
• The leadership mistake many principals make before teachers return.
• How to identify the few priorities that create momentum for everything else.
• Practical ways to strengthen your Leader, Logistics, and Learning systems.
• Research-backed leadership insights that support sustainable school improvement.
• One simple action you can take today to reduce stress before the first day of school.

Resources Mentioned

Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't. HarperBusiness.

Fullan, M. (2020). Leading in a Culture of Change (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Gallup. (2023). State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report. Gallup Press.

Hattie, J. (2023). Visible Learning: The Sequel. Routledge.

Sinek, S. (2009). Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Portfolio.

The Wallace Foundation. (2021). How Principals Affect Students and Schools: A Systematic Synthesis of Two Decades of Research. https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/pages/how-principals-affect-students-and-schools.aspx

Proverbs 24:3–4 (NIV)

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

As leaders, we don't build great schools by accident. We build them intentionally—through wise decisions, thoughtful systems, and a commitment to serving students, staff, and families well.

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