School Leadership in Uncertain Times

It is hard to watch the news these days. Personal political affiliations and inclinations aside, roiling markets, venomous discourse and expanding instability on a national and global level are hard to ingest and absorb. School leaders also face complex circumstances and emotions in their own communities. What, for instance, will be the impact of the current economic environment on enrollment, fundraising and endowments? How do schools navigate the ideological and political rifts that may exist in their communities, a problem that perhaps has existed for a while but which may be exacerbated in the current environment? How do you address the anxieties and concerns of faculty and staff members who are focused on their job security, their 401(k)s, and the future for their students? No school leader can have easy answers to these and the many other issues that arise, but there are important things you can do to set the tone and provide stability. I polled several of my distinguished colleagues at RG175 and synthesized these thoughts and suggestions:


1. Everyone takes their cue from the leader. Focus on remaining calm and steady—if you are not, then that will filter through and unbalance your community. Keep in mind that there are always people willing to find opportunities and advantages in an unsteady situation—don’t hand that to them. A leader is always surrounded by competing demands and emotional tensions and must remain a level-headed presence in the face of those centrifugal forces. As a non-anxious anchor, a leader is best able to listen with balance, address the needs of different groups, and reassure the community.


2. Rely heavily on your school mission and core values. These statements are generally timeless, stemming from universal understanding of decency and kindness as well as from tried-and-true practice at your school. In the face of tumult and challenge, harken back to what is established and manifest truth for setting expectations and standards of behavior and tone.


3. Find opportunities to articulate and communicate to your community your own values and what is most important to you and make clear that this will guide your leadership regardless of the news and current events.


4. Stay informed, as hard as it is to take in current events, and remain ahead of the rumor mill. There is a steady flow of falsehoods, inaccurate assertions and reports in this digital age, shifting perceptions from day to day and even from hour to hour—don’t fall prey to this. Stay patient, non-reactive and clear-headed, and encourage others to do the same. 


5. Listen to and engage your students—this not a time to leave them in the dark. Encourage staff to understand what they are feeling and experiencing and provide appropriate support. Having said that, don’t assume they are traumatized, encourage them to be themselves and to be kids.


6. Be visible and upbeat. This is a good time to appear in the car line in the morning, or to be present in hallways and events. Connection, encouragement, presence, energy and support, all of which are important in normal circumstances, have a premium upon them in challenging times.


7. Express gratitude to others for a job well done or for their attitude and approach. Encourage the right tone and behavior—help others to lead as you are. Write quick notes to folks, handwritten or via email. You will make their day and lift spirits. Think about expressions of group gratitude as well—perhaps a TGIF gathering or a special coffee or meal (within budget limitations, of course). The point is to foster connection, community and shared values.


8. Engage your Board. Get ideas and perspectives from them about events and the challenges ahead. Seek their wisdom and partnership. Be energetic and positive with them as well. Make them feel part of the ship’s crew weathering the storm together with you, rather than as outsiders offering suggestions and criticisms. 


9. Be brave! Complicated and conflicted times require courage and fortitude. You have it in you and have navigated tough challenges before. 


10. Finally, as perhaps you did during covid, seek friendship and thought partnership with other school leaders both in your area and beyond. This is important for your own sustenance and intellectual stimulation. And there is strength in communion!


The consultants at RG175 are here and available as well if you are seeking support as you navigate these times. Central to our mission and core values is our commitment to do all we can to foster excellence in school leadership in pursuit of the best possible experience for our students.