1 Set clear goals and priorities

Before you take on any leadership role, whether it is as an advisor, a coordinator, or a facilitator, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. What are your personal and professional goals? How do they align with your academic responsibilities and interests? How will your leadership role benefit your students, your colleagues, and yourself? Having a clear vision and purpose will help you focus on the most important tasks and avoid distractions or conflicts.

2 Plan ahead and manage your time

Leadership roles often involve planning, organizing, and executing various activities, events, or projects. These can be time-consuming and complex, especially if you have to coordinate with other people or institutions. To avoid stress and confusion, you need to plan ahead and manage your time effectively. Use a calendar, a planner, or a digital tool to schedule your tasks, deadlines, and appointments. Break down large projects into smaller steps and assign realistic time frames. Communicate clearly and regularly with your team members, partners, and stakeholders. Delegate tasks when possible and ask for help when needed.

3 Balance your workload and expectations

As a teacher, you have to balance your teaching, research, and service obligations. Adding a leadership role to the mix can increase your workload and expectations significantly. To avoid burnout and frustration, you need to balance your workload and expectations realistically. Don't take on more than you can handle or promise more than you can deliver. Learn to say no or negotiate when necessary. Seek feedback and support from your peers, mentors, or supervisors. Recognize and celebrate your achievements and progress.

4 Maintain your well-being and motivation

Leadership roles can be rewarding, but also demanding and stressful. To maintain your well-being and motivation, you need to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Find time to relax, unwind, and enjoy your hobbies or interests. Connect with your friends, family, or other sources of support. Remind yourself of your values, passions, and goals. Seek opportunities to learn, grow, and improve as a teacher and a leader.

5 Inspire and empower your students

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a teacher and a leader is inspiring and empowering your students. You can do this by modeling good leadership practices, such as integrity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. You can also encourage your students to pursue their own leadership aspirations, by providing them with guidance, resources, and opportunities. You can challenge them to think critically, creatively, and ethically. You can acknowledge their strengths, potentials, and contributions. You can foster a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

6 Reflect and improve

Being a teacher and a leader is a continuous learning process. You will face challenges, setbacks, and mistakes, but also successes, achievements, and rewards. To improve your performance and satisfaction, you need to reflect on your experiences and outcomes. You can do this by keeping a journal, a portfolio, or a blog. You can also seek feedback from your students, colleagues, or mentors. You can identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You can set new goals, action plans, and strategies. You can celebrate your growth and development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?