Suffice it to say, the waters surrounding international schools are murky at this moment.  Cultural, political, and philosophical differences are ever present and make communications around so many topics ever challenging. Add to that, the number of students that we may (or may not) have in our schools in the upcoming school year is dependent on corporate, political, or diplomatic changes or national approvals of programs and things change in an instant. In addition, the students who are in our schools might increase the need for additional learning support and increased focus on multilingual programs. Then there is geopolitical conflict and climate change, governmental scrutiny, increased oversight, and curricular restrictions. Given all the complexity and shifting global dynamics, the one thing that is clear is that the water is murky as we try to successfully navigate through polarizing times.

With the world confronting us with volatility and uncertainty at what seems like every juncture, the instability is causing many of us to lose our ability to think clearly. We are unable to focus, and due to feeling overwhelmed and irritable, we might not be our best self during communications with others.  As leaders who are managing themselves along with the big feelings among all stakeholders, we need as many strategies and supports as we can get to try to keep ourselves balanced and steady.