Head Transition

One of the hallmarks of RG175's service to client schools is consulting support for the process of transition to a new head of school. Typically, there is a period of several months to roughly a year between the time of the announcement of a new head and the start of the new head's service. This is a critical period, as essential to "get right" as the search itself. RG175 consultants provide support and advice to schools as they navigate this period in a few ways. This generally includes, as desired by the school, the establishment and guidance for the effective functioning of a transition committee, counsel to the outgoing head on their appropriate role in the transition process, support for board leadership as they plan and implement transition events and consider how to approach future planning, and support for the new head as they plan for the assumption of their role and duties.

RG175 consultants often, if desired by the school and new head, remain engaged with the school as mentors to the new head through the first year of service. Indeed, all heads of school feel the intense pressures and escalating complexities of their position and can benefit from the advice and support of a skilled, experienced headship mentor. Learning how to thrive and excel in a school's culture and milieu, managing trustees, faculty and parents, marketing and enrollment strategies, fundraising, and crisis management are just a few of the challenges that keep heads of school awake at night. Added to these responsibilities is the increasing isolation that heads often face.

We believe every head of school needs a trusted thought partner to navigate the complexities of their role. Our consultants assist heads in reframing challenges, developing strategies, managing change, and thoughtfully responding to issues. With a relationship focused solely on the head of school, our consultants serve as sounding boards, providing a safe space for heads to test ideas before implementation.

We build open, honest relationships with our head clients, fostering a free exchange of ideas that leads to better solutions. Our consultants typically schedule regular calls and are also available for immediate counsel when pressing issues arise. Our focus is on the head’s success, which directly translates to the success of the school.

While all heads can benefit from the guidance of a seasoned former head of school, we particularly advocate for establishing a head-mentor relationship for first-time heads, offering the invaluable support needed to thrive in their leadership role.