Editor's Desk

Association of Washington School Principals

Volume 3 – 2020-21

THE EDITOR’S DESK

Uncertain About Uncertainty

Find the calm through consistency

David Morrill

Communications Director, AWSP

With the end of the seemingly never-ending pandemic now somewhat in site, it’s time to reflect and look back. As regular readers might remember, 2020 had a huge silver lining for me: Ted Lasso. Okay, Ted Lasso was a big deal, but not quite as big as the birth of our first child. Marleaux’s arrival has meant lots of change for the Morrill household, both in the short term and has changed the way we think about the future.

For me personally, the pandemic brought so much uncertainty. When can we travel again? When can Marleaux have playdates? What will work look like in three months? What about in three years? What if my parents got COVID?

Lots of uncertainty, and yet not all of it bad. With all this change going on in the world, we decided it was time for another change: moving. It’s an easy time to sell a house, but buying now is no small feat. Putting in an offer and waiting days to find out if you got your dream home or not is gut wrenching. I don’t consider myself someone who gets stressed or worried easily, but living and working with a nine-month old at home with all this uncertainty was finally getting to me.

Tell people you don’t know if you don’t have the answer. It’s okay. Just remember the stress uncertainty can cause for yourself and those around you. Be the confident, calming presence you are, control what you can, and address the rest with realistic outcomes and expectations.

What’s all this got to do with you? Well, here are a few things I learned about myself through this experience.

First, it’s okay if you don’t know how things will turn out. Whether you hope for the best or expect the worst, be real with yourself and your people (family/school/community) about the full range of outcomes. Second, do your best to focus on what you can control. If you’ve done everything in your power to make the best of the situation, be at ease with yourself regardless of what happens.

And finally, embrace the certain and the consistent. Or in your case for your students and staff, be the consistency and certainty. For me, I know every morning when I wake up, Marleaux’s cuddles, laughs, and giggles are going to be a great start to my day. I know something unexpected will happen, and it usually requires cleaning something.

And for you, dear school leader, even if you don't know the outcomes, you can still be clear, kind, and consistent in your communication. Tell people you don’t know if you don’t have the answer. It’s okay. Just remember the stress uncertainty can cause for yourself and those around you. Be the confident, calming presence you are, control what you can, and address the rest with realistic outcomes and expectations. Maybe you get the house (we did!), maybe you don't. Either way, remember your best is good enough. ◼

David Morrill is the AWSP Communications Director. He serves as Managing Editor for Washington Principal.

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Washington Principal | Volume 3 – 2020-21