Coaching is fast becoming one of the most widely used management tools to help executives develop leadership skills and be successful. Executive coaching for school leaders may be one of the most valuable investments a school can make. School leaders face enormous challenges and very complex problems. Yet typically they do not have a professional with whom to discuss in confidence the issues they face. A professional coach can be that person and help school leaders determine the best solutions to complex problems, develop overall leadership skills and provide strong school leadership for many years.
School leadership is extremely demanding, challenging and political. It is a high profile position that requires leaders to manage complex organizations, multiple constituencies, sensitive political situations, changing markets and more. School communities are rife with competing demands and the school leader is expected to meet those demands. Dealing with the increasing complexity of running schools requires exemplary leadership and strong support for leaders.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of schools do not invest adequately in their school leaders. Most – about 80% – are fired and the average tenure is only four to five years at the helm. Of course, the parting of ways is typically framed as a resignation with ample time to make a smooth leadership transition. Regardless, there is a change in leadership and that change is usually extremely costly to a school. Investing adequately in school leaders is one of the most valuable investments schools can make.
Executive coaching can help school leaders improve leadership and help schools develop and keep strong leaders, thereby improving the overall health of the school. Most school leaders are very capable people. But even very capable leaders need help. The help they need is most likely the kind that will help them figure things out themselves. Advice can certainly be helpful, but it comes from the perspective of the advice giver and may actually complicate the school leader’s quest for the right solution. The school leader’s need to balance competing demands puts him or her in a unique position that no advice giver can truly understand. A coach with no agenda other than to help the school leader develop leadership skills and solve problems is in the best position to help. A coach helps by listening, asking questions, giving feedback and providing encouragement. Coaching develops a school leader in the context of their school and the challenges related to leading that particular school while still being present to take care of day-to-day responsibilities. Executive coaching for school leaders is a win-win strategy for the leader and the school.