Complex Crisis Days

Today was one of those days where everything seemed to happen at once. As a school leader, I found myself juggling multiple high-stakes situations all in a single day. Each one was different, each one urgent, and it was the kind of day that really tested my ability to stay balanced and calm.

That’s the big difference I want to highlight: handling multiple crises at once is a whole different challenge than dealing with just one. And one of the things that makes it possible is the support of a great team. I’m so grateful to have complete trust in my co-director, my admin team, and my leadership colleagues. Their support makes all the difference, and it’s a reminder that where you work and who you work with often matters more than anything else.

At the end of a day like today, with tomorrow being Halloween, I made a conscious decision to leave today in the past. I went to Starbucks, ordered a shaken iced espresso and an apple croissant, and took a few moments to write and reflect. I reminded myself that I’m going to go home, enjoy time with my family, and get dressed up tomorrow for Halloween. It’s a little act of self-care that helps me let go of today’s stress and look forward to a bit of joy tomorrow.

So, as we all navigate these complex days, I want to ask you: How do you handle it when multiple crises come at you at once? What are your strategies, and how does your team help you stay steady? I’d love to hear your thoughts, because we’re all in this together.