Why My Desk is in the Hallway
It’s nothing fancy, it’s nothing special. Just a simple, ordinary (on sale) desk that I moved into the hallway. Yep, the hallway… which is busy, noisy and a place where you are easily distracted. It’s true, the times I am at my desk in the hall some may say I am not my most productive self. In fact it is truly hard to accomplish much at all in terms of paperwork and reports. I have a beautiful space inside the main office which offers a panoramic view of the playground with an amazing woods that turns brilliant colors in the fall as the backdrop.
Why do I forgo this incredible space for a spot in a noisy hallway? It’s simple…to focus on what is most important to me… building relationships with staff and students and being a part of the hustle and bustle of school. By definition, as the principal I am a part of the school and (hopefully) most children know me by name. But do I really know them? Can I recognize each child by name when I see them in the hallway? Do I know what they did over the weekend or how many teeth they recently lost? Could I see their joyful expressions as they are released to recess? Would I be able to have vital, organic conversations with teachers as they stop to talk because I am there and available? Probably not.
I moved my desk to the hallway so I wouldn’t miss these moments and could truly be a part of the school, not just a name. It is a move I did with purpose and intention. When I am at my desk I bring my laptop so that I can check emails or do work during my down time. However, if someone is passing by I stop what I am doing to greet them and engage in conversation. If children are passing by I say hello and make it a point to call them by name.
So yes, I moved my desk to the hallway because this is my work. The opportunity to build relationships with colleagues and students cannot wait and you don’t want to miss a moment to make that happen.
How do you connect with your colleagues and students? Please join in the conversation and share what works for you.