In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller explore how educators and leaders can effectively transition out of a demanding school year. Drawing on a Yale study, they discuss how a leader's ability to manage their own emotions directly impacts the well-being of their staff. Because of "emotion contagion theory," the emotional residue leaders carry out of the spring can set the tone for the entire school environment in the fall.

Listeners will discover why end-of-year recovery is an essential part of leadership, rather than optional self-care. The conversation highlights three research-backed practices: savoring positive moments to combat exhaustion , using narrative identity to make meaning of difficult experiences rather than ruminating on them , and engaging in the challenging but necessary practice of mentally disengaging from work. By leaning into self-compassion, educators can process the year, recover fully, and prepare a healthier emotional climate for the future.

Download the Handout:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/podcast_handout_s6e37?x=Z0wt6j

Hosts:

Kim Yaris, M.Ed. Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Timestamps:

00:00 Podcast intro

00:42 Transitions for adults

01:30 The reality of exhaustion

03:00 Yale wellbeing study

03:47 Emotion contagion theory

05:08 Recovery is leadership

06:06 Practice one savoring

08:52 When savoring matters most

09:58 The savoring prompt

11:06 Practice two narrative identity

13:58 Meaning making versus rumination

15:01 Three reflection questions

16:51 Practice three mental disengagement

18:36 Nervous system discomfort

19:38 The power of self-compassion

20:56 Closing thoughts