A Leadership Lesson Learned
Debbie Schindler, Head of School, Pacific Christian Academy | ACSI Global
I always believed I was a detailed person; I made sure every part of my day was carefully planned with all the needed agendas and materials ready. I was a good listener, and when parents shared issues with me, I took good notes, talked to all involved, and then made and carried out my decision. I made sure I followed up with my concluding decision and rationale, and then considered the situation completed.
One day, the school received notice that a student was being withdrawn. I was puzzled because I had just successfully handled an issue that involved the student and believed I had made a fair decision based on the testimonies and information I had gained. I called the parent to find out why the student was being withdrawn.
Mom was livid. She had heard through the grapevine that some of the other students involved had received no consequences, while her child had been suspended. “How could you be so unfair!” she yelled at me. It was at that moment I realized that I had failed to “close the communication circle” and let her know that my decisions for consequences had included not just her student, but all those involved. She accepted my apology and was appeased to know other students were being held accountable (without needing to know details I could not share).
Closing the communication circle with all parents is amazingly time-consuming. However, it is critical to keep our commitment to partner with parents in the education of their children. I have worked hard never to make that mistake again!
