In our August workshops to launch the new school year for schools throughout the U.S., educators are focused on three questions to make this year even more successful:

1. Are we on the pathway to Authentic, Sustainable Excellence?
2. What could degrade our unity in pursuit of our mission this year?
3. How will we measure progress each quarter?

I got that summertime, summertime gladness 

Su-su-summertime, summertime gladness 

Got that summertime, summertime gladness 
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh

The summertime gladness of educators is extremely joyful this year, but also mixed with a curiosity about what's next. What questions will you pursue this summer to grow and achieve excellence? Start with these...

Educators are the ultimate "knowledge workers," unique in their ability to solve complex problems and develop new ways to enable growth.

Yet they continue to languish in an industrial approach to school leadership and design where the physical spaces, time schedules, and human dynamics stifle creativity and inspiration.

There is a better way!

Life happens quickly in real-time. Sometimes we mess up and there's no way to rewind and say, “Hey, let's do that over. That's not what I meant to say or do.” 

Growing as a leader requires recognizing that rewind isn't available--you can't go back in time--but, reset is necessary and possible. Building and sustaining healthy relationships is only achieved through a high level of resiliency and disciplined communication.

Putting "Excellence" on the website or in the mission statement doesn't make it true. Excellence starts with a resolute commitment to stop doing average. 

Stop doing what average schools do.
Stop doing what average leaders do. 

Your calling as an educator is one to Excellence, not average!

2020-21 was a big year for leadership growth among administrators and boards. The culture and brand of the school are most vulnerable during these high-stress periods.

We've seen so many institutions refocus on the human aspect of school leadership to rekindle their joy and work together on the factors that most contribute to excellence. 

Undeveloped negotiation skills contribute to the downfall of too many educators, but these are skills that can be easily learned and mastered. You can be a problem solver who creates win-win conversations and agreements rather than competitive situations that force winners and losers.

Learn more about negotiating skills, exciting new technology solutions, and support for the self-managed head search.

What's your leadership report card for 2020 that will build confidence with your board, faculty, and families? 

Your communications about this year may say that you managed to survive--or you could demonstrate through the evidence of your data that you achieved your growth plan and are now ready to conquer 2021. 

A dangerous deficit has emerged in the leadership of schools, and it is a major limiting factor in the ability to successfully adapt to the realities of 2020-21. Stop ignoring the warning signs--if action isn't taken soon, the long-term damage will be severe. 

What's next in your Growth Plan?

That's the question your board and stakeholders are asking even as the struggle against the pandemic and other challenges continues to consume your time and resources. They need to know that you're taking them somewhere they want to go.