Community Christian School

Rick Johnson

Reflection without Compromising Principle

Typically, every leader’s style will evolve through his or her own personal experiences and certain circumstances. Each year, I have allotted time to practice honest self-evaluation and reflection. This practice has allowed me to adjust to the different people and personalities with whom I work, while also avoiding the compromise of core principles. I believe it has also afforded me the opportunity to grow into a better leader, taking an approach that is more open to listening to those around me while using past experiences to help shape all the many different facets that create a positive school environment for all stakeholders.

Keeping Change Rooted in Mission

It is vital for administrative teams to research what will help their school to stay current and to implement programs that will help students reach their educational goals. However, I believe the most important strategies include creating a culture that remains flexible, adaptable, and responsive to change. Of course, these changes must fit within the framework of the type of environment that is desired at the school. In the private Christian school world, this includes assuring that the strategies create experiences that have spiritual and eternal significance.

Proving Value in a Changing Market

I believe it will be vital for leaders to further develop with adaptability and flexibility. With technology changing so rapidly, many ideas will be brought forward, and the leader must be able to assess and, if necessary, be willing to change.

“Clarify your personal philosophy, values, and vision so when approached with opportunities you can consider the alignment with the organization.”

As private school options further expand, it will be important for leaders to provide evidence of accomplishments and the success of their value proposition. Additionally, they must be able to articulate mission clarity for prospective families seeking what’s most important to them.

People and Trust before Progress

Human resource is still the most valuable asset that schools can have. So, finding the best personnel will always be top priority. In the private school world, one understands this means you will be competing in the areas of compensation and benefits on a regular basis.

Sharing a vision and building trust with all stakeholders, continuing to integrate technology in a systematic and responsible manner, addressing the well-being and development of each student, and managing any type of resistance or fatigue are all challenges that will need to be met.

Before Stepping into Leadership

Personally and honestly evaluate your skills and abilities. Clarify your personal philosophy, values, and vision so when approached with opportunities you can consider their alignment with the organization.

Seek opportunities within your current position to discover if leadership is a position to which you aspire. Engage in various forms of training and professional development.

Always consider the cost associated with leadership, realizing the rewards are tremendous from an intrinsic perspective, but all leadership comes at some level of sacrifice and cost.

Seek a professional coach or mentor to help guide you on your leadership journey.