Leading through change is what separates the good from the great. Right now, thousands of school leaders across the nation are saying, “I cannot wait until next year. Next year will be different.”

My question to them is, “How do you know?”

When leading through change, it is all right for leaders to be uncertain about their process to get there, but it is not all right for leaders to be unclear about their overall vision. It is in time of change when people need their leaders the most. When people lack hope, the leader needs to provide hope. When people lack answers, the leader needs to have a vision and clearly communicate that vision.

A time of uncertainty is the hardest time to lead. Most people tend to freeze when the future is uncertain; unfortunately, this is when many leaders decide to take a step back rather than being at the forefront. When I was a principal, in times of change or adversity, I did not want to have to answer everyone’s questions...

1. Adopt long term goals: If you do not have a destination, you will never get lost.
2. Focus on the critical data: If it does not inform the board on the long term goals, it doesn’t belong on a board meeting agenda.
3. Develop a strategic calendar: Your board calendar is your best tool for oversight.
4. Prepare for meetings: Board members should read all reports provided (sent 7 days in advance)  
5. Ask great questions: Good questions inform, great questions transform.
6. Plan ahead: Organization’s should respond, not react.
7. Follow focused agendas: Follow the Pareto Principle: 80% of the organization’s issues come from 20% of the problems. Identify and focus your time and skills here.  
8. Understand their role: If you feel like you are overwhelmed, you are probably micromanaging.
9. Utilize subcommittees: Subcommittees made of critical friends dive deeper.
10. Speak with one voice: Whether the vote is 5-4 or 9-0, it has been decided.
11. Purposely...