One minute.
It doesn’t seem like that long.
It’s only 60 seconds. What could possibly go wrong in such a short amount of time?
If you are a school administrator you know.
You understand that things change quickly.
Very quickly.
Things can be "bee-bopping" right along and then BOOM!!! There it is (that should be a song).
In 60 seconds a good day can go to bad. A bad day can go to worse. And the worst day can… I hate to even say (if you are just starting your career… Godspeed… and keep your head on a swivel).
That’s why on the nicest quietest days, a principal, dean, or superintendent never lets their guard down.
They can’t afford to.
The next phone call or meeting could unleash holy terror (my second religious reference… weird).
Indescribable drama is always just around the corner.
Or on the next voicemail. Or in the next email (or 72 emails… which is what I call an average day).
Or the worst kind. The unexpected drop-in.
There is nothing that will ruin your day quicker than an agitated parent yelling "What are YOU going to DO about….?"
A minute.
It’s not much.
But it can be.
Phil Gaton"