Leadership Coaching
School administrators benefit from open and honest dialogue and from looking at school challenges through a systems lens. Whether you are in a new role or you are a seasoned school leader needing a fresh perspective or a professional advice, the SFLC team members can serve as coaches, mentors and advisers.
We can work with you on a project, semester, or annual basis on topics such as:
Creating an Effective Leadership Team
Developing a Positive and Effective Board
The Board Chair/Head Relationship
Dealing With a Demanding Parent Body
Making Effective Change
The First Year of Headship
Getting Ready for Strategic Planning
Career Advancement
You may be a head of school looking for a new and different opportunity or you could be an administrator searching for your first head of school position or another administrative appointment. You could be an experienced teacher seeking to move into administration or you could be someone from outside the immediate school environment looking for a way to work in a good school. In any one of those scenarios we may be able to provide some help that will give you a competitive edge.
The purpose of Career Advancement is to provide sound career counseling and support that will help move you closer to the top of a pool of candidates. One client said, “This is a little like college admissions, finding the right match or the best fit.” And to some degree she was right. Part of one’s success is choosing wisely in the beginning as well as near the end of a search.
There are four basic components in Career Advancement, with varying levels of support. The details for each piece may vary, depending on the need and desire of the client candidate.
- A review of a resume and supporting materials with commentary and suggestions designed to improve and sharpen the presentation.
- Helping the candidate focus on the objective by being clear and specific about both sides of the equation, the position being offered and the appropriate fit of the candidate.
- Preparation, coaching and support for the interviews, both before and during that part of the process. This can make a critical difference in advancing to the next level of a search.
- Assisting the candidate in the sometimes delicate negotiating and signing of a contract.
These four, essential ingredients, if given serious attention, will strengthen a candidate’s chances for greater success. There are however, no guarantees that desirable results will follow immediately. Patience over a reasonable amount of time may be required.
How Does Career Advancement Work?
Anyone interested in discussing the possibility of using this service is encouraged to get in touch as soon as a change is contemplated. Having sufficient time to craft ones own strategic and career plan is a great benefit. Relocation takes time, patience and laser beam persistence.
Much of the first three parts of the process (resume review, targeting objectives and interview coaching) can be accomplished via e-mail and telephone. However a personal interview is essential for a more complete connection. The fourth and concluding part (contract negotiation and agreement) is best done without an attorney as many schools regard this approach as an adversarial gesture, even when not intended. All of this work is between the consultant and the client and does not involve the school directly unless there appears to be a need for a mediator.
The cost for this service and support is 3% of the first year’s salary to be paid over time after the new position begins unless other arrangements are made between the consultant and the client. Early response has indicated this fee to be very reasonable and fair and in many cases, successful negotiations have resulted in additional compensation more than the cost.
In the fickle and unpredictable world of search, there are obviously no guarantees or certainties. Committees and those who hire administrators have a wide variety of expectations and needs. Our goal in working together is to develop the best possible strategy for improving the chances for success. The desired outcome is to secure the most desirable and most appropriate appointment. We believe that this service will provide significant benefits to those who see the value in the opportunity. A successful appointment is our primary focus and concern.
Contact us at info@santafelead.org to learn more.
