Survival Tips for Superintendents: End with Integrity

End with Integrity

Educational Research Service

Superintendents who are newly hired, just like board members who are newly elected, are the newcomer, the outsider. There is a system is place. It may be weak, it may be fraught with micromanaging, it may be a lighthouse system. Whatever it is, it's what is in place and should be recognized and validated. A key to sustaining a good start is to nurture mutual respect and support. No organization, or board/superintendent team, can be strong without trust.

From Educational Research Service, Fall 99, Other Ways to Foster a Board's Trust, Respect, and Support:

Make honesty a priority.
Never gossip.
Don't talk out of school.
Know each board member's goals.
Don't leak anything to the press.
Be patient and flexible.
Support the board's decisions.
Defend your board from criticism and accusations.
Be consistent.
Check your attitude.

The work of the superintendent is difficult and often the rewards seem mostly intrinsic. There is joy to be had if we remember to begin and end with integrity.

Survival Tips for Superintendents