February Happenings
A tip, a fun link, a white paper on parent/school comms and new speaking engagements
February at Talking Out of School and Stony Creek Strategy
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February tip: Ask faculty to let you know if they plan to move on!
That’s right - just come out and ask. You’re not putting an idea in anyone’s head. It is amazing what happens when you ask. People talk to the head or a senior admin and maybe there’s a chance to keep them - or if they are set on leaving (because people are allowed to live their lives!), it’s best to know sooner than later.
February link: I was not expecting it, but this interview with Stephen Colbert was full of excellent leadership insights, including some wisdom about being the boss he passes on from Jon Stewart that I’ve been thinking about for the past few days. It illuminated something that struck me as both very true and also in need of some unpacking. (Very likely I will write about it…)
I need your input!
I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of “management training” and why it’s a term completely missing from the independent school world.
We ask employees to manage people all the time without explicitly giving them the skills to succeed.
I’m contemplating starting some small management training programs for specific cohorts and wondering where the biggest needs are in terms of learning more skills for people management.
This survey will take just a minute or two!
I’m so curious!
Effective School-Parent Communication white paper
Author: Julie Faulstich - Published by Blackbaud
I continue to be delighted by my collaboration with the good people at Blackbaud. They did a beautiful job editing this white paper. And from your response to my recent article on Dealing with “Bully” Parents - I know there is a real need out there.
Leadership Coaching for 25-26
If you are considering leadership coaching for the 25-26 year, I’m looking to book a limited number of clients and I’d love to talk to you if you’re thinking about the next step in your leadership development. What are your hopes and your goals working with a coach and what are you looking for in pursuing the kind of personalized and specific professional development you can’t get from conferences or workshops. I view coaching as (1) a relationship where you (2) explore approaches to address immediate management dilemmas and (3) gain insight into your style, strengths and growing edge as a leader. Where do you want to go next in your professional journey?
Generally, I offer year-long (or academic year) or six month engagements for individuals but I am happy to entertain shorter engagements depending on the situation.
Book a time here for a free 30 minute consultation or reach out over email at jfaulstich@stonycreekstrategy.com.
End of Year, Summer and Fall 2025 Workshop and Retreat Facilitation Bookings Open!
I have started booking Managing Complicated Parents workshops for both end of the year and Fall 25 back-to-school professional development - available both in person and virtually. (I renamed and tweaked the Effective Parent Communications workshop!)
I have also started booking Communications Skills for Trustees workshops for board retreats and new trustee orientations - available both in person and virtually.
Also booking for senior team or board retreats for summer and fall 25! More info as to my retreat facilitation approach here.
Upcoming Speaking Events
Powerful Partnership: Skills and Tools for Head/Board Collaboration - NAIS Thrive 2025, Nashville, TN
with Moira Kelly, President, Explo
Will you be in Nashville at NAIS Thrive in February 2025? I’d love to see you! My presenting partner Moira Kelly and I were given a prime spot at 11AM on Friday, Feb 28th to present on the head/board partnership. I’m arriving around noon on the 27th and will be there all day on the 28th. If you’d like to have coffee and chat, just reach out.
March 27th - 2pm
Chair Chat: The Pros and Cons of Trustee Term Limits (virtual) - Independent School Chairpersons Association - Co- facilitating discussion with Exec Director Bethany DiNapoli for ISCA members
April 8th - 2pm
Effective Parent Communications - with Blackbaud (virtual)
We’re taking our very successful live TABS conference breakout session virtual!
TABS members webinar - link to come