School leaders often have multiple tasks to finish every day. Their job isn’t limited to the boundaries of an educational institution, but extends beyond it. Maintaining a planned schedule daily is a bit hard for them as immediate demands come up. Dr. Puspita Chattopadhay, Chief Academic Officer of Zee Learn Ltd, India, explained how teachers and school leaders can handle interruptions in their daily schedule.
Q) Being a school leader, how do you manage interruptions in your planned schedule?
Ans. In Mount Litera Zee School, we prioritize and utilize effective time management strategies to complete the tasks daily. We delegate tasks if required and ensure that urgent matters are attended immediately.
We ensure that there is a contingency plan in place for unforeseen interruptions.
Q) How do you motivate your colleagues to manage interruptions in their daily schedules?
Ans. To motivate my colleagues to manage interruptions, I advocate for setting clear boundaries and having an organized task management system. I encourage them to differentiate between urgent issues that require immediate attention and less critical items that can be scheduled for later. In Mount Litera Zee School, we hold regular team meetings where we share our experiences, challenges, and problem-solving strategies. This collaborative approach helps us to grow as a team and deal with interruptions more efficiently.
Q
) What ways do you suggest to handle interruptions to school leaders in their daily lives?
Ans. For school leaders, facing daily interruptions, proactive planning is crucial.
I suggest implementing a robust scheduling system that allows for unexpected occurrences. It’s also crucial to foster a school culture that values respect for others’ time and responsibilities.
Q) What are the most common types of interruptions you face in your daily routine?
Ans. The most common types of interruptions I face include unexpected meetings, emergencies requiring immediate attention, behaviour issues of various stakeholders, concerns or queries of parents and staff and urgent administrative tasks or queries that need responses.
While these can be disruptive, they are also part of the vibrant school environment and provide opportunities for problem-solving and growth.
Q) Have you considered conducting an analysis or assessment of interruptions to identify potential areas for improvement?
Ans. Yes, analysing interruptions can be a powerful tool for improvement. In Mount Litera Zee School, we have identified the frequency, source, pattern, and impact of these interruptions and developed targeted strategies to address these interruptions efficiently and effectively.
Dr. Puspita Chattopadhay, Chief Academic Officer of Zee Learn Ltd, is a renowned and an experienced educationist. She was also the Former President & Director of the Academics and Special Projects in Birla Edutech Ltd. Birla Open Minds & Birla Brainiacs, Senior Editor & Author in the Quadrum Solutions Ltd and Academic Head & Principal of e-School in Universal Learning Aid Pvt Ltd.
