John talks about his family and background, a year wandering through Latin America, living on the beach in Santa Cruz, turning his back on a stockbroker career, and his unusual entry path to teaching school, through where he’s at today (1:51)
Some amazing highlights of spending 15 years at a school in a very rough neighborhood, after walking in and replacing the drama teacher who had simply gotten in his car in the middle of the school day and driven off, never to return (7:50)
Branding the school before branding was cool (16:10)
Making the move from principal to district office after 15 years at the same school and running into a very grateful grandfather of one of John’s former students (18:33)
How John overcame cynicism and skepticism, and dealt with some serious gang problems, at that first school (24:38)
How John maintains high levels of focus and energy in a high stress environment – ruthless time management is key (36:24)
Work/life balance is the trickiest part of the job for John, and here’s how he handles it (41:56)
The best leadership advice John ever received – you’re the leader, so get an assistant to handle the details and schedules, so you can spend your time actually leading (46:57)
You’ve got two ears and one mouth because communication is vitally important and listening is critical to proper communications (48:19)
Some of John’s top book recommendations for school leaders (50:28)
John’s most important advice for school leaders on working with the students and leaders in your school (52:00)
If John had a time machine, here’s the advice he would go back and give his younger self when he was just starting out in administration – make sure your house is in order (54:33)
Books mentioned in this episode
Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Connect with John Eick
Blog: Learn With John Eick
About EducatorsLead:
Educators Lead is a podcast created to help launch educators into the next level of leadership. This show is for you if you are interested in educational leadership as an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, teacher or someone who hopes to be a school leader one day. Educators Lead offers inspiration and practical advice to help you lead more effectively. Jay Willis interviews school leaders three days a week to discuss why and when these educators made the decision to move into school leadership, challenges along the journey, and stories that made it all worthwhile. Educators Lead is a great resource for any educator looking to make a greater impact.
Educate. Inspire. Lead.
