Surviving on an island alone: how the AD may alleviate his stressful environment.

It is extremely difficult and demanding to be a good athletic director. The list of responsibilities is endless and there is never enough time to completely deal with all of them.

All of this may become even more difficult because of the AD's frequent isolation. He may be friendly with many of the teachers, but he certainly isn't a member of the faculty. He isn't part of the assistant principals' team or the guidance department. And by also being the "boss" of the coaching staff, he isn't a member of this group either.

Thanks to the nature of his position, the AD is bombarded with complaints, grief, and problems - missiles from all fronts. Parents, athletes, coaches, faculty, community members, and administrators all fire salvos at one time or another.

And through all of this, the AD must remain steadfast in his beliefs, principles, and course of action. It is not easy!

To survive, the AD must develop all kinds of ways to cope with his situation. He must find a way to alleviate his stressful environment in order to survive on his island alone.

Following are a few concrete survival suggestions:

1. Due to phone calls, meetings, and emergencies the AD will start the day early, stay late into the day, and often work through lunch. If an uninterrupted lunch is impossible, he must find 15 to 20 minutes during the day to decompress. Creating or scheduling this time is absolutely necessary for survival.

For example, one AD may put a clipboard under his arm and stride up the hallways in a very purposeful manner. He will look very serious and always stare straight ahead. He may create the impression that he is on his way to a very important meeting and cannot be interrupted. This will enable him to get in a good 15-minute uninterrupted walk. A perfect way to decompress.

Another AD may post a sign on his door and lock up. The sign may read, "In conference, please do not knock." He may also use another sign that reads, "On the phone, please do not disturb." These signs provide valuable uninterrupted time.

2. Learn to say, "No." When an AD's schedule is totally booked, he should explain that a new project is no longer possible. At a later time, perhaps he can undertake it, but not now. Another alternative is to delegate this request to someone else.

When an AD delegates, he allows someone else to join him on his isolated island. Through the act of delegation he can develop confidence in others. He will also help the person better understand the demands of the position. Remember, everyone gets overwhelmed at times, but by saying "no" an overworked AD may be able to survive.

3. Carve out time for your family. With the mega-hours the AD spends at school during the week, including evenings and Saturdays, this isn't easy. But it is important to do it.

4. The AD should occasionally find someone to cover game management responsibilities while he spends some time with his family. After all, only the AD's family will be with him through all the difficult times. Other people jump on and off tile bandwagon.

5. Try to use weekends to recoup and to mentally prepare to tackle the next week. Take a walk or jog. Read, watch football games on TV, or go out to dinner. But use the weekend as intended - to step away and relax.

Over the weekends, for example, I never answer the phone at home. That task falls to my wife and daughter. They screen the calls and often reply, "He isn't home right now." If the caller seems persistent, they will add, "...and he isn't expected back until late Sunday evening."

6. In order to believe that all the decisions he makes and the positions he takes are absolutely right, the AD must develop great confidence in his philosophy and approach. He has to have total belief in himself in order to take a stand alone.

To accomplish this goal, the AD should attend conferences, read, and confer with other ADs. These sources should serve to reaffirm and validate his beliefs. He may be surprised by the many allies he has. While he might be ali alone physically, he'll discover that many others across the country are in the same boat.

7. Though most ADs are able to take the tough stand, everyone needs support occasionally. On that day, it will help to know where to look for support. Being able to call a colleague or another AD or superior for validation, support, or for a shoulder to cry upon can be a great help.

Many supportive persons who can benefit from a reciprocal relationship are out there waiting to make themselves available for encouragement and/or validation.

8. When called to do a lengthy list of things that are just pure drudgery, the AD should reward himself after accomplishing some of them. As a break, he should do something on his list that he can enjoy for 15 minutes and then go back to the other tasks.

9. Exercise is an excellent method of stress reduction. How does the busy AD find the time?

For some, the opportunity may be found very early in the morning. Others may elect to try upon returning home late in the evening. It may help to have a treadmill or stairmaster.

Other AD's may be lucky enough to be able to schedule time in the school's fitness center (weight room, gym or even jumping rope).

You may have to be creative in finding the time to exercise, but do it! Exercise will help alleviate stress and allow you to continue your rigorous schedule.

10. Develop an accomplishment or bragging list of all of the good, innovative and positive things that were accomplished the past year. Also prepare another list to cover your complete tenure as an AD. Theses lists can be very impressive.

When you need a little encouragement, you can pull the list out and read through it. Even if no one else can remember to validate your efforts, you can do it yourself. You can also share the list with your principal or superintendent.

A little self-promotion tactfully done can pay huge dividends. Letting others know about your successes may help draw a few others to your island. A little company even for a short term is a welcome boost.

11. An AD is constantly on the threshold of total fatigue or burn out. While the principal may not appreciate it, the AD may call in sick occasionally. He should take a "mental health day." This simple act of taking an occasional day off may save him from burnout.

As a side benefit, others will have to assume some of the daily responsibilities on this sick day. Indirectly, they will gain a greater appreciation for what the AD really does. Such understanding by others is always important.

No doubt, the AD's position is extremely demanding and he will often have to stand alone. These suggestions just might enable him to survive on his island.