For school leaders, the month of August ushers in a range of feelings, from excitement to full-on anxiety. Opening faculty meetings and the launch of school loom large, and as we try to reclaim the steadier mindset and perspective of summer, humor can help. In thinking about the role humor plays in... read more
RG175 Blog
As part of our ongoing effort to cultivate and support independent school leadership, RG175 consultants contribute monthly blog posts on topics ranging from governance and head transitions to strategic thinking and school management.
In my role as a search consultant, I have the privilege of speaking with impressive and accomplished educators who have yet to serve as heads of independent schools, but are seeking the opportunity to do so. We call these candidates “rising stars.” During my preliminary conversations with rising sta... read more
Frequently, a conversation about a search begins with the question about what makes for a successful search. While there are many factors, the search process begins and ends with the Board of Trustees and its own governance. Because this is the entity that hires and supports the head and elects the... read more
Impressions Matter, especially first impressions and especially to search committees and candidates. Neuroscience helps us understand how our unconscious mind forms those impressions and why first impressions are so strong. Candidates do well to keep in mind that first impressions are powerful and a... read more
As a school leader—whether DEI Director, Dean of Faculty, DFO or Head of School—setting the right pace for change is vital. Moving too fast? You’re at risk of making your team anxious, stressed or overwhelmed. (Or all three!) Moving too slow, your beloved school can lose the positive associations th... read more
One of my favorite books is Moneyball by Michael Lewis (2003)—and the movie is one I watch at least once a year. The relevance for an educational recruiter? Moneyball is one of the best reminders ever that outward appearances or a dazzling interview cannot determine the quality of real talent—in a b... read more