Society For Classical Learning

Dan Allender states that the most determinative aspect of leadership is one’s character. While it is important to possess high levels of knowledge and skills, they are simply not enough. The high performing leader must be self-aware and spiritually mature. He must be able to empathize, connect, listen and serve the people he leads by maximizing their potential and gifts. These two months will be focused on understanding what it means to be relationally wise, know yourself, communicate effectively, resolve conflict, inspire those you lead, and honor Christ in all of your relationships at the school.

This session will focus on the core competencies that every Head of School must have to be effective and successful.

Every Head of School must understand the history, philosophies, and nature of non-profit governance. The Head cannot lead up and exert influence effectively without understanding best practices and developing high levels of trust with his board, especially his board Chair. The Head must not only be informed about the board’s role, he must also learn to navigate the complexities of the boardroom. Aspiring Heads will become familiar with the ISM governance model, the stability markers and the Governance as Leadership model.

It is not enough to know governance principles. A Head must earn the respect of her board and learn to bolster the school’s strength and sustainability by working closely with the board as peers, not just as superiors.

Additionally, all the advancement (admissions, marketing, development) activity of the school will be assessed in light of the school’s enrollment, fundraising and recruitment goals.

The Head is responsible for the financial and material resources of the school. He must learn to steward those resources effectively to ensure the mission of the school is accomplished. There are key financial indicators and tools available to independent school leaders that every Head should know. These best practices will be reviewed and discussed in detail.

The focus over the course of this month will be on vision, what it is, why it is important, what great visionaries do and how vision is transformed into reality.

Session IX will focus on the Head’s role in shaping the culture of the school. While the Head should function at a high level, she must be able to create a healthy, Christ-centered place to learn and work.

This month we will discuss what it means to build a high performing leadership team. We will discuss how to build a structure that maximizes the abilities of everyone on your team and serves the school efficiently. We will also discuss how to build high levels of trust and work together with honest, open communication.