The Leadership Lounge
Navigating the Waves of Leadership
From your MCPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Inaugural Issue
Introducing The Leadership Lounge
Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Leadership Lounge: Navigating the Waves of Leadership. This newsletter from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to support Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) leaders. Leading takes tremendous skill; it involves knowing how to manage people well in order to keep productivity and morale high while balancing competing demands. For a moment, imagine your role as an MCPS leader as captain of a ship. There may be times when your ship encounters storms and crashing waves, such as unexpected or undesired change, critical incidents, or staffing challenges. There may be other times when you need to take your ship out to sea, even as parts are still being built. And still, other times when the waves are steady, sailing is smooth, and you, your staff, and demands are in alignment. The waves at sea are always changing, and leading well involves adapting to change. This newsletter will come out three times a year offering tips, strategies, and resources to support you as a person and leader so you can best navigate your ship and your teams through each wave that comes.
Share Your Feedback
We hope you enjoy reading this inaugural issue of The Leadership Lounge: Navigating the Waves of Leadership. Please take a few moments to share your feedback in this Google Form so we can adapt future issues to best meet your needs.
EAP Supports for Supervisors
Earlier this school year, the EAP mailed a flyer of reminders for support to all MCPS principals. Here is the digital version.
Short-Term Counseling and Referrals
The EAP offers confidential, no-cost, and voluntary short-term counseling sessions to all employees, adult (18+) household members, and retirees. Counseling sessions can help support you with personal and/or work-related challenges that are affecting your well-being. Interested in finding a therapist or other resource in the community? The EAP can also provide assistance with referrals. Visit our website or call us to learn more about EAP counseling and/or to schedule an appointment.
Supervisory Consultations
The EAP offers one-on-one consultations to principals and supervisors to help address employee concerns, work performance issues, workplace conflict, and critical incidents. Supervisory consultations are 30-minute or less appointments via Zoom, phone, or in person. Consultations are a confidential support option when you encounter a challenge leading or supporting your employees. Visit our website to learn more or call to schedule a supervisory consultation.
Dispute Resolution Program (Mediation)
Conflict is a natural part of life. Most conflicts in the workplace are minor and can be handled by the individuals involved. Free, voluntary, and confidential mediation is available when additional help is needed to resolve workplace disputes and build mutual respect and cooperation. Conflict coaching is also available. View the Dispute Resolution Brochure and watch this video from our partner, the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County (CRCMC), to learn more.
Wellness Workshops for Staff
The EAP offers a variety of workshops to support employee mental health and well-being. Workshop topics can cover stress management, work-life balance, positive communication, resiliency, mindfulness, prioritizing well-being, boundaries, and more. Interested in scheduling an EAP workshop for your staff? Complete this Google Form and an EAP wellness coordinator will contact you for a consultation.
Formal EAP Referrals
There are two ways to refer an employee to the EAP. Informal referrals consist of a reminder to the employee about EAP services and no forms are necessary. The EAP also has a formal referral process. Formal EAP referrals are not disciplinary and use of the EAP remains voluntary. Need support sharing your concerns with an employee and interested in formally referring them to the EAP? Visit the Supervisor Guide to EAP Referrals to learn more.
Upcoming Professional Development Series for Supervisors
Join the EAP for a supervisory professional development series focused on Caring for Yourself while Leading Others. This three-part series will cover Leader Well-Being, Cultivating Psychological Safety, and Non-Defensive Communication with Employees to support your professional development. This professional development series is open to MCPS supervisors and administrators, and will take place via Zoom. Listed below are the PDO session descriptions and course numbers. Register for one, two, or all three sessions!
December 10 2024 from 10:00–10:45 a.m.: Leader Well-Being. During Session 1 of the EAP Professional Development Series for Leaders, participants will identify realistic and attainable strategies to prioritize their well-being as an MCPS leader. Participants will identify their successes and barriers, and connect with other leaders on well-being. Course #92916.
January 29, 2025 from 12:00–1:00 p.m.: Cultivating Psychological Safety. During Session 2 of the EAP Professional Development Series for Leaders, participants will explore what contributes to a psychologically safe workplace and identify strategies to cultivate psychological safety at their worksite. Psychological safety is not a “check-the-box” or “one-and-done” event; it involves conscious, intentional leading while encouraging a growth mindset. Course # 92917.
March 31, 2025 from 1:00–2:00 p.m.: Non-Defensive Communication with Employees. During Session 3 of the EAP Professional Development Series for Leaders, participants will explore and practice non-defensive strategies to communicate with employees. Non-defensive communication involves being curious, asking questions, and making statements without trying to control how others respond. This valuable approach can enhance clear communication with staff and encourage accountability. Course #92918.
Information for Your Staff
The following information can be shared with your staff to support their well-being and help increase awareness about the no-cost, confidential, and voluntary services available from the EAP.
EAP Overview Recording
This recorded EAP overview describes the resources and services available to employees from the EAP. This three-minute video is easy to share at the start of a staff meeting to remind employees of EAP support.

A Healthy Outlook: Fall 2024 Newsletter for All Employees
In this quarter’s newsletter of A Healthy Outlook, you’ll find time management tips, strategies to cope with election-related stress or anxiety, and information about suicide prevention.
Upcoming EAP Workshops and Webinars
The EAP Calendar on the MCPS website lists upcoming workshops and webinars available to employees that can be shared with your staff.
Ask the EAP
Q: I'm having a hard time with all the demands placed on me as a leader this year. I'm worried about what else will change and can't seem to turn off my "work brain" when I get home. I don't want to talk about this with my leadership team. What can I do?
A: First recognize that many people (yes, including leaders) struggle with disconnecting from work at the end of the day. There are several options that you might find supportive. It may be helpful to acknowledge the feelings you're experiencing and give yourself permission to feel them. It also may be helpful to reflect on what exactly about this year is challenging you. Are there specific types of tasks or situations that are hard to stop thinking about after work? There are many strategies you can use, and it may be helpful to explore what you actually want to do. What would help you feel supported and cared for at this time? Are there others in your life you feel comfortable speaking with about how you're doing? You can also schedule a confidential appointment with the EAP. We can provide support and help you explore what setting boundaries and prioritizing time to care for yourself looks like for you.
Do you have a question you'd like to see answered in a future newsletter? Fill out the feedback form or email eap@mcpsmd.org.
Important note: Information in The Leadership Lounge: Navigating the Waves of Leadership is for general information purposes only, for adults, and is not intended to replace the counsel or advice of a qualified health professional.
For further questions or help with specific problems or personal concerns, please contact the EAP. Call 240-740-6500 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).