People Are The Hardest Part – The Good Principal

I Chose the School Over the Relationship

His spare key is still in the little bowl beside my front door. I keep meaning to move it. Every morning I pick up my car keys from the same bowl and leave his there. You can call me Christian. I’m 38, and I’m a school principal. Please keep my real name out of this,…

He Wasn’t Wrong. Neither Was I.

I’d almost find this easier to talk about if one of us had behaved badly. But the conversation was calm. I explained what I thought had happened. She explained what she thought had happened. I listened, and I believe she did too. We still couldn’t agree. And I’ve been thinking about it more than some…

I Wanted To Be Liked

When I became a principal, I remembered every complaint I’d ever made about the ones I’d worked under. I was going to listen. Be approachable. Explain things properly. All the things we used to say we wanted while sitting around the staffroom. I still want to be that person. But I’ve said yes to things…

I Said No. She Took It Personally.

I keep going back over the conversation, trying to work out where it changed. I knew she wouldn’t like my answer. I was ready to explain it, give her some time, maybe talk again later. Then she said something that made me realize we weren’t having the same conversation anymore. I was explaining a decision.…

I Like Her. That’s the Problem.

There’s someone on my staff I find difficult to deal with, and I feel awful admitting that. She doesn’t even have to do anything sometimes. I see her name in my inbox and I’m already bracing myself. I know that isn’t fair. Whatever she’s bringing to me deserves to be heard. But lately, I’ve been…