The Puzzle: Blog

The average tenure of independent school heads has decreased significantly over the past few years, and the consequences of more frequent leadership turnover within school communities can be monumental in terms of morale, market standing, and even long-term sustainability.  So what can be done to increase the likelihood of retention and success for a school leader?  There is no magic panacea, but ensuring the leader is supported by a talented, trained and experienced executive coach can make a tremendous difference in terms of the leader’s longevity in the position.

In interviewing former Heads this winter who left their school communities within their first three years of headship, it was shocking how few had executive coaching relationships in place,” said Devereaux McClatchey, President of CS&A.  “Conversely, we have noted how many Heads who have remained at their schools through the recent difficult years of COVID, racial and political unrest, and escalating mental health challenges have been supported through formal executive coaching relationships.  For any school that wants to increase the likelihood that its leader will remain in the role and thrive, investing in executive coaching feels like a wise, if not critical, move.”

Here at CS&A, we are excited to announce the appointment of Susanna Jones as the new leader of our Executive Coaching Practice.  Susanna brings decades of experience to school leadership in K-12 schools, as well as formal certification and expertise in executive coaching for school leaders.  She has coached a wide variety of school leaders around the country. Susanna shared:  “I’m excited to engage with school leaders and boards about the various ways executive coaching can make a difference, both via traditional executive coaching and also via alternative models that can include board chairs and/or extended engagements with a school’s leadership team.  We have seen what an impact coaching can make —  creating a sense of partnership, collaboration and alignment between heads and boards.  It can stave off feelings of isolation and separation, which can lead to dire consequences for schools.”

Other experts in our executive coaching practice include Lucinda Lee Katz, Todd Bland, Barbara Chase, Marsha Little, John Allman, Cathy Shelburne and Darryl Ford.  We encourage you to reach out today for a consultation with any of our coaching experts.

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