This may be the hardest day of the course—because it challenges an unspoken contract:
That you’re always available. That you're always the one with the answers.

From now on, you’ll focus on protecting your time so you can lead.

And no—it doesn’t mean you’re being rude or unavailable.

If you’re always available for the small things, you’ll never have the mental space for the big ones.

The Lesson: Access vs. Availability

Most directors believe being a “good leader” means having an Open Door Policy.
And to an extent, it is important to be accessible.

But constant availability is a leadership leak.

It trains your team to rely on you for things they could solve themselves.
It blocks you from doing the work that actually grows your center.

That’s why today, we introduce a new kind of boundary:

You’re not building a wall. You’re building a bridge.
“Not yet” is a respectful pause that protects your energy and models leadership.

The Strategy: The Focused Growth Window

Choose a 60-minute block today (e.g., 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM).
Pick a quieter part of your day—not during drop-off or pick-up.

This is your “In the Zone” hour.

Here’s how it works:

The Signal
Close your door or post a sign that says:
“Focused on Center Growth. Please see me at [Time] for non-emergencies.”
The Script
If someone approaches with a non-emergency, try this phrase:

“I want to give you my full attention on that, but I’m finishing a project right now. Can we sit down and talk about this at [Specific Time]?”

The Practice: Personas and the “Not Yet”

If you are a...Try this during your Focused Time:

Firefighter-Fight the urge to be needed. If you feel guilty behind a closed door, remind yourself: Thinking is working.

‍Peacekeeper-Don’t apologize. Your time is valuable. Speak with calm clarity—no guilt needed.

‍Perfectionist-Let go of the “how.” If a team member solves something without you, celebrate the effort, not the method.

Day 3 Exercise: Implement the "Not Yet

Choose a 60-minute Focused Growth Window today. During that time:

Put up a sign or close your door.
If interrupted, say: 'I want to give you my full attention, but I’m working on something right now. Can we meet at [Time]?'

Step 1: Inform & Define the Emergency

Before you place up your sign, let your team know:

“I’m working on improving the program from [time frame]. Please only interrupt for:
1. Safety/Injury
2. Licensing
3. An active parent crisis.”

Step 2: Train the Filter-The"Three-Before-Me" Rule

‍Ask them to try three steps before coming to you:

Put up a sign or close your door.
Ask a co-worker (e.g., Assistant Director, Lead Teacher, co-worker)
Check to see if the answer is posted (e.g., schedule, posted procedures.
Look in the handbook

You’re building a team that thinks, not one that waits.

‍

Director’s Journal Prompt

“Today, I felt [Emotion] when I closed my door.
I successfully redirected [Number] people.
What was the one thing I was able to focus on because I wasn’t interrupted?”

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