Principal Induction Program

This week, I have been in our state's capitol, taking part in the week long Principal's Induction Program. This is a program established by the state department of education to help new principals and introduce new principals from around the state to each other. My cohort group has about 25 members from counties all around the state. Most of us began leading our schools on July 1st and this has been a difficult week to be away from school. With the opening of school just a couple of weeks away, many of us would prefer to be at school getting ready for the new school year.
We are in the process of learning a valuable lesson - leading while away from the school. We are learning to trust those that are at the school to get things done...
So far, it is very difficult to do. Emails and calls continue that make everything seem urgent, but many will have to wait until the end of the week to be answered. I was able to leave some specific tasks to those that would be at school, I have not inquired as to the completion of those tasks, but I will trust that they are being completed. I know that this is a valuable skill to learn...but the process feels a little painful!
On the bright side, today the cohort group worked on a number of team building activities. We had a great time with each other and got a chance to get to know each other better! I had never completed any of these activities as an adult, but I truly see the value of building teamwork and relationships with one another. The events we completed together were: The Spider Web (the most physically taxing), Team Tag (more mental, than physical), Pass the Hula Hoop in a circle, Chocolate River (a test of staying focused) and another game that taught communication, teamwork and cooperation. All the activities have their benefits. I definitely plan to use some staff development time to do some team building. I will probably do this in September after school has begun and some of the pressure has been lessened.
Two more days of the academy remain. Tomorrow should hold as a highlight because of the panel of 2nd year principals that will come back to hold a Q and A session.
Leading while away...is that possible so soon?