Caring for Ourselves and Our Teams-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel discussion, moderated by Jenny Junlei-Kravitz, Director of Institutional Equity at Rivers School, focused on caring for ourselves and our teams in educational environments. Panelists Anita Sharif Haider, Dean of Students at Yale School of Management; Henry Taylor, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Delaware State University; and Shaquille Brown Butler, Director of Equity and Inclusion at Kent School, shared insights on sustaining well-being amid constant change and demands.<br /><br />They emphasized self-care practices such as carving intentional moments of peace, maintaining authenticity at work, and using rituals like regular team check-ins and retreats to build community and solidarity. Leaders should model care, trust, and empathy, acknowledging diverse coping styles and personal challenges among team members. Tools like restorative practices, hospitality, and shared meals help foster connection. Panelists underscored the importance of balancing professional roles with personal identity, maintaining boundaries, and seeking mentorship or therapy to stay grounded.<br /><br />Key leadership advice included distinguishing issues of competence versus character with compassion, creating safe spaces for vulnerable conversations, and treating staff with trust. Small gestures, like leaders participating alongside teams in daily tasks, reinforce unity. Ultimately, a culture of care rooted in trust, empathy, and intentionality is crucial to supporting well-being in educational settings today.

Keywords

self-care

team well-being

educational leadership

institutional equity

restorative practices

empathy in leadership

community building

work-life balance

mentorship and therapy