October Check-In for School Leaders:

Feeling like the year is already running faster than your team?

October is prime time for what we call a “micro-reset.” It’s not about overhauling your plans—it’s about asking one powerful question:

This 20-Minute Micro-Reset Exercise can free up hours over the next few months.

Step 1: Set the Stage (3 minutes)

• Gather your team and frame the purpose:
  “We’re not overhauling everything—just identifying one habit or process that no longer serves us.”

• Share examples (like a recurring meeting, unused report, or manual task).

Step 2: Silent Reflection (5 minutes)

• Each person writes down 1–2 activities they feel are done out of habit, not strategy.

• Encourage honesty—sometimes it’s the “we’ve always done it this way” items.

Step 3: Group Discussion (7 minutes)

• Go around and share suggestions.

• Ask: Does this still align with our goals? Could we automate, outsource, or drop it?

• Identify at least one process everyone agrees isn’t serving its purpose.

Step 4: Decide & Commit (3 minutes)

• Select the one outdated process to let go of or redesign.

• Assign responsibility: Who will own making the change?

• Set a light check-in date (e.g., 2 weeks) to measure the impact.

Step 5: Wrap-Up (2 minutes)

• Close by asking: “What could we do with the extra time and energy we’ve just freed up?”

• Capture answers—these often surface energizing priorities.

✅ Outcome: In just 20 minutes, your team eliminates one outdated habit and creates capacity for higher-value work.