Congratulations on becoming the new superintendent! During interviews, you might’ve made promises about your leadership style and plans for the district. Now, it’s essential to keep those promises to build trust as a new superintendent, because people will watch to see if you do what you say. If you don’t keep your promises, it’s tough to earn everyone’s trust and support. That makes reaching your goals for the district harder.
As a new superintendent, planning meetings with stakeholders that match your promises is vital. These meetings help build trust and teamwork with your stakeholders. Whether the meetings are informal, like focus groups, or more complex, like a large-scale community event, school leaders are well-served by a defined plan.
Planning for Your Meeting
- Have clear goals: Think about what you promised during the hiring process. What do you need to do to keep those promises? What questions can you ask to learn more about the district’s strengths and problems? Clear goals make meetings useful.
- Choose who to meet wisely: You might not have time to meet everyone. Choose who’s most important for your goals, like principals, teachers, and parents. Meeting them gives you good insights and builds strong relationships.
- Listen more: In meetings, listen more than talk. Ask open questions and let people share their thoughts. Listening helps you understand the district better and builds trust.
- Follow up: After each meeting, say thanks and summarize what was discussed. This shows you value their thoughts and keeps everyone on the same page.
With effective meeting planning, you keep your promises and build trust with your stakeholders. Remember, these meetings are just the start. You’ll need to keep talking to your stakeholders, communicate clearly, and stick to your promises to reach your goals.
In short, as a new superintendent, keeping your promises helps build trust. Good luck in your new role!
