Every November, campus administrators face a challenge unlike any other—election day stress. Even if your school is not a polling location causing your normal routines and order to be thrown into disarray, it's likely that the tension the community is experiencing as they anxiously await results will have an effect on your campus. But with a strong team and intentional systems, this stress doesn’t have to overwhelm you or your staff. In fact, navigating this period can become an opportunity to build trust and strengthen your school culture.
Over-Communicate: Everyone Needs to Be on the Same Page
One of the most common mistakes leaders make in times of stress is under-communicating. But clarity is crucial. Everyone—staff, parents, and students—needs to know what’s going to happen on election day and how it might affect them. Whether it’s parking issues, altered drop-off times, or safety measures, the more your people know, the more at ease they’ll feel.
Make sure your team understands that no amount of communication is too much. And don’t forget to be clear and direct. This is your opportunity to over-communicate so no one is left wondering what to expect.
Tend to the Campus Environment: Presentation Matters
If your campus is a voting site, that means that your school isn’t just serving your students on election day—it’s hosting your entire community. That means the campus should reflect pride and order. Ensuring that the grounds are clean, the grass is mowed, and the hallways are clear of clutter may seem like small things, but these details matter. They send a message that your campus is organized and in control, even amidst disruption.
This isn’t just about appearances; it’s about creating an environment that reduces tension. People feel less anxious when things are in order.
Safety Systems: Ensure Everyone Feels Secure
Elections bring more than voters to your campus; they bring added responsibility for safety. Your leadership team should have a well-defined safety plan in place, ensuring every staff member knows their role. Are safety officers needed? Are there clear boundaries for where voters can and can’t go? These are questions you need to answer long before election day arrives.
And remember, safety isn’t just about physical protection. Your team and students need to feel safe. That emotional security will go a long way toward reducing stress.
Support Your Team’s Emotional Health: Address the Anxiety Head-On
While the election might not be the talk of the school, it’s certainly on people’s minds. From social media to dinner table discussions, everyone—including your staff and students—is hearing about it. As a leader, you need to acknowledge the emotional weight this brings.
Create space for your staff to express their concerns or anxieties. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, scheduling a few minutes of mindfulness, or simply encouraging breaks, your job is to remind your team that it’s okay to take care of themselves.
Understand the Impact on Your People: Your Team Is Everything
As a leader, one of your primary roles is to proactively offer support to your team. Recognize that while the day might seem routine, for some, it’s emotionally exhausting. Don’t wait for staff to approach you with their concerns; instead, take the time to regularly check in with each team member. Ask how they’re doing and whether there’s anything they need to make the day easier. This small act of empathy not only shows that you value their well-being, but it can also uncover stressors that you weren’t aware of.
Additionally, consider implementing small measures to alleviate stress. Provide extra flexibility in their schedules, especially for staff who might need to step away for a mental break. Recognize that emotions around election day may be running high—inside and outside of school. Simple gestures like allowing for early dismissals or quiet workspace options can go a long way in making staff feel supported.
Small gestures go a long way. Providing a meal, checking in with staff individually, or just giving a simple word of encouragement can help lighten the load. Your people need to know that you see them and that you’re all in this together. When staff feel recognized and appreciated, their stress levels can decrease, making them more engaged and motivated to push through challenges.
The Key: Lead With Preparedness and Unity
Ultimately, the key to navigating election anxiety comes down to one thing: preparation. But this isn’t about setting up systems for the sake of systems; it’s about leading your team in a way that brings clarity and reduces anxiety. When your staff knows you’ve thought through every detail and you’ve communicated that to them clearly, they’ll feel more confident and less stressed.
This is your chance to foster trust, unity, and clarity in the midst of disruption. Embrace it. Because when you lead well in times of stress, you create a stronger, healthier team.
Want more tips for helping teachers, parents, and students navigate this challenging elections season? Check out our latest newsletter from October 18, 2024 on our archive page.
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