Board Chair: “An article about leadership, so I guess you should write it since you are the leader of the school.”
Head of School: “No, it seems clear to me that if they are talking about a leader, they are talking about you.”
Board Chair: “But not only do you run the operations of the school, you have great expertise related to day schools in general. You are in the best position to speak as the leader.”
Head of School: “The Board is responsible to provide the vision for the school. They elected you to serve as their leader. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, the school depends on you to lead our school into the future.”
Board Chair: “My role is term limited. Thus, you have the more significant voice.”
Head of School: “My voice alone is not adequate in leading.”
Board Chair and Head of School: “So, maybe we should be Partners in Leadership!”
The concept of partnership may appear easy; however, the actual implementation can be complex and challenging. Various metaphors illustrate the importance of this partnership – among our favorites are tennis doubles, and a three-legged race. In both of these metaphors there is no individual success without the team’s success; also both partners must be constantly aware of the other’s capabilities, constraints, and actions in order to make their own moves successful. Another nice partnership metaphor is a marriage. Here the important points center on communication:
We invite you to explore the importance of this shared leadership model as well as “10 Top Tips” for making it work.
Crystal Clear Roles and Boundaries
We must begin with the fundamentals – with an understanding that Boards do governance and staff do operations. Thus, the leader of the Board and the leader of the staff must both have defined roles congruent with these responsibilities. However, this separation of roles is not always easy to maintain. Job descriptions for each of these positions should be articulated verbally and in writing. It works best when confusing or dissenting areas are identified early, preferably before a problem occurs. Resources related to roles definition and boundaries are plentiful. Check out the materials at www.nais.org, www.peje.org, and www.Boardsource.org. Also, local federations and non-profit associations often have Board workshops to support their agencies.
Vive la Difference:
You’ve Both Got Style
As if day schools are not complex enough, partnering is a challenge in any venue – schools, work or home. Board Chairs and Heads of School are wonderful, intelligent, and committed people. That said, some partnerships are easier “fits” than others. It is important to get to know your partner. That means really take the time to find out what makes your partner unique. Learn about each other’s history. Discuss your dreams. Explore ways that each of you like to work. Have you discussed when your partner prefers to meet? Meetings at 6:30 am are not everyone’s favorite. That said, not everyone is a night owl either. Do you know if your partner would prefer to communicate by email or phone? Should you use a work, cell or home number? These superficially simple details make a big difference. By dealing with your style preferences up front, you make dealing with the inevitable big, more stressful issues easier. We recommend using tools like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or other preference tools to structure these conversations. You might consider having a consultant or coach help facilitate and get you started on the right foot.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
So, you’ve been a Head of School for 20 years….or two years. It doesn’t make a difference. When it comes to your Board Chair, you must communicate (even if this is your 12th Board Chair). The same goes for you, the new (or not so new) Board Chair, you must set a time to meet. The success of your schools depends on this partnership. Do you have weekly meetings? Bi-weekly? Meet together to deal with specific issues, meeting planning as well as general support. You are each other’s most important supporter. To accomplish this partnership, regular and adequate communication is vital.
The “Ten Top Tips for Effective Partnerships” is a good place to begin. Enjoy the partnership experience–it will be good for you and your school! ♦
For the Head
For the Board Chair
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