“Maybe I have time to draft one more email,” I thought as I scanned my weekly to-do list while Hunter tapped on the door of my home office. It was almost Sunday at 3:00 pm, marking the time to stop working, but I could easily fit in one more message. I picked at my nail polish to relieve my anxiety, and I tried to believe the promise I made to myself. Weekend work stops at 3:00 pm. 

I decided to close my laptop, stand up and walk towards the door. As I opened it carefully, I saw Hunter’s blue eyes peering up at me, and I knew I made the right decision. “It’s nibble time,” I shouted as I picked Hunter up, and he wrapped his arms around my neck. 

This scene is familiar in households around the country. We all know educators methodically planning for the week ahead, all while juggling personal obligations. At the time, I was the mother of a toddler with a demanding career. I needed to learn something radically new. Boundaries.

I promised my son I would take him for a nibble—just us. We lived in a town with Sunday Blue Laws. Few places were open, except for the local café. There my son sat in a highchair and nibbled on a cookie as I pumped coffee through my veins. I read books to Hunter, and I told him about my upcoming work trips. I realized my Sunday routine physically prepared me for the week ahead, but time nibbling with Hunter prepared me mentally. I needed both. Soon, the hours we spent together brought me joy and calmness.

I share this story because many of you are saying goodbye to summer and hello to another school year. You are trying to find your way as an educator during a complicated time in education. Take it from me. A nibble is more than a snack. A nibble can teach us about leadership:

#1: Choose commitments wisely-just as you would a nibble.  

A nibble might satisfy a craving post-meal, but too many nibbles can lead to trouble. So too can overcommitting. As a purpose-driven leader, be aware of the tasks you must engage in and how long each will take to complete. Carve out time to collaborate with others, but be careful not to overcommit to projects, especially ones that don’t bring you fulfillment. Instead, recommend someone who might benefit from an opportunity to lead. That is, step aside to protect your well-being. Heck, others might soar as a result.

#2: A nibble is a gift. So is a compliment. 

Head to any bakery, and you will see neatly wrapped treats as gifts, which are symbols of well-being and gratitude. They bring people joy and make them smile. So can a compliment. According to the author, David Rock, a small percentage of US workers receive recognition in the workplace. To improve performance, ensure there is enough positive feedback. Schedule it. Make it happen. A few years ago, I ended every workweek by sending one email to a colleague, specifically complimenting them on their collaboration or a project completed ahead of schedule. So there you have it. A small nibble matters, and so does a sincere compliment. 

#3: A nibble represents a milestone. Pack one and celebrate. 

For years, I packed a nibble when presenting to large audiences. When the stage lights beamed down on me, I thought of the cookie I had in my bag, and I calculated the time left until I could eat it. The treat was motivation to keep going. My trick worked, so pack a nibble the next time you are in for the long haul and need some strength to keep going. Before you know it, you will enjoy your delicious reward. 

What piece of advice will you nibble on this week, leaders?