The October Slump: How to Lead Your Staff Through a Long Month

It’s October! The World Series, falling leaves, pumpkin spice, flannel, Halloween—and the October slump.

The honeymoon period is over. The routines we spent weeks teaching should be taking hold, but some still need practice. The mornings are darker. Assessments are showing us which students need support they may not yet be receiving. Parents are getting a clearer picture of the year, and their questions and concerns are becoming more frequent.

And let’s not forget: you’re tired. Everyone is.

You start to notice it as you walk through the halls. Conversations among teachers sound a little more frustrated. Students are irritated with each other—even their best friends. Concerns that might have felt manageable in September suddenly feel bigger.

There it is: the October slump.

Even when you’re feeling it yourself, your staff looks to you for steadiness and support. Let the little things go. Get curious about the problems people bring you. Ask how you can help, and pay attention to your own reactions. This is when you become the servant of servant leaders.

October has a way of making you think, “Where did the time go?” and “How is it still so far until November?” in the same breath.

Ask your staff, “What is making your work harder right now? What could I remove, simplify, or postpone?” Then be ready to act on what you hear. You may not be able to give someone exactly what they ask for, but you can listen, explain what is possible, and follow up.

Could a meeting be shortened? Could a deadline move? Would a morning coffee be a welcome gesture? Small things can go a long way, especially when they give people some time back. If a change helps one person, consider whether others would benefit, too. Those moments of follow-through are deposits in the trust bank.

This is also the time to check your systems. Are behavior routines slipping? Have expectations become less consistent? Does everyone still know what to do and where to turn for help? You know I preach systems first. Revisit the routines, clarify expectations, and make sure staff know you’ll follow through.

Be visible, and check your own stress level. Your staff needs a steady leader, and that takes some attention to how you’re feeling before you walk through the door.

Before I got out of my car, I would sometimes give myself a little shake and say, “It’s Showtime!” Of course, this particular show lasted seven hours. I needed that moment to reset so I could walk in ready to support people.

Find the wins, too. Look for evidence of progress and share it. Maybe assessment data shows growth. Maybe a student is finally using a strategy you’ve been teaching for weeks. Maybe a team has worked through a difficult problem together.

Celebrate those moments. Shout them from the rooftops. Recognize staff, students, and families, and be specific about what they did and why it mattered. When people are tired, it helps to see that their work is making a difference.

And while you’re taking care of everyone else, watch out for yourself. Being “on” all day takes energy. Eat well, protect your sleep, move your body, and lean on your support circle. Find someone with whom you can be honest about how you’re doing.

I’m a marathon runner, and October can feel like hitting the wall. When that happens, I focus on the next manageable stretch. At school, that might mean getting through this week, then looking ahead to the next scheduled break. The calendar will offer some breathing room. In the meantime, you and your staff need support along the way.

What’s the toughest part of October for you? Reach out. I’m here to help.