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September 2009
Issue #24 |
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In the Know
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Every year after the morning bell rang on the first
day of kindergarten Carolyn Davis, the Winthrop
School Principal, would walk around the school
parking lot consoling sobbing parents (okay, usually
mothers) with hugs and words of reassurance. A few
years ago Ms. Davis started a new tradition: she
invited all the kindergarten parents in for coffee
and an official welcome to the community.
Her efficiency spread beyond the first morning of
school (group hugs are quicker). Her invitation set
the tone for each family's relationship with the
school. Parents were no longer mystified about what
went on behind the doors their child had just
entered, because they had been immediately welcomed
to their new role in the community, received
critical information and were introduced to their
peers and school leaders. An experience that could
provoke great anxiety was turned into an opportunity
to share information and strengthen the community.
Most colleges, universities and independent schools
are facing the equivalent of staggering parents in
the parking lot: concerned faculty, staff, students,
alumni and donors. This edition of
In the Know discusses how "inviting them in"
could diffuse the negative and harness productive
energy.
Sincerely,
Tracy Filosa
Ms. Davis was not just saving time on the first
morning of school by gathering the group of
kindergarten parents. She was building a team that
would support the school and the parents throughout
the year. Parents were introduced to resources and
people who could help them, so they could fulfill
their roles as parents effectively.
Efficiency of the group hug: Faculty, staff,
students, alumni and donors have lots of questions
about the financial picture. Some people ask the
questions, while others wonder quietly. By gathering
these stakeholder groups in forums (in-person,
telephone and virtually using online media) your
school can reach the vocal and the quiet
stakeholders and set the tone for the appropriate
level of transparency and communication. By
collectively addressing the future you foster
community and strengthen relationships. Instead of
responding to steady streams of individual concerns
you can address a wider forum more efficiently.
What they don't know... Ms. Davis
realized that in addition to the emotions of sending
a child off to school the parents were concerned
about what they didn't know. She quelled those fears
by sharing information and pointing people toward
the qualified resources who will serve as conduits
between the leadership and the stakeholders.
Transparency, even if it is not rosy news, can focus
the community on the productive actions that will
contribute to common goals. Veils and closed doors
make people less invested and fuel rumors. Without
the facts, energy is poured into unproductive
guesswork.
Defining boundaries and role: The
invitation was fittingly for coffee. Parents weren't
helicoptered into their child's classroom to watch
over them, but ushered to their own space where
their role was defined.
When you share
financial realities with your community you are not
inviting attendees to be co-CFOs. You are giving
each attendee the information they need to fulfill
their specific role in the community.
It's nice to be invited: Not
everyone came in, but they were all invited. Not
everyone will take you up on the offer to learn more
about the financial situation at your institution,
but an invitation opens a communication channel that
can be utilized in the future.
Reiterating
the goals: This September I attended the
coffee as one of those "in the know", seasoned
(old?) parents after my youngest made her way
through the school doors for the first time. I
didn't need to learn about the workings of the
school, but I found the process and connections at
the coffee comforting. A new group of stakeholders
had been invited into the community and were being
given the tools to participate effectively. We
veterans were also reminded of the Principal's goals
and our roles and responsibilities.
The
school year was off to a great start.
An independent Antioch College
 This edition coincides with client news that is too exciting not to share. After many months of hard work, negotiation and sound financial planning, Antioch College became in independent entity on September 4. It has been a professional highlight for me to be part of the team dedicated to forming an innovative and financially sustainable college.
Follow these links to read more about the college in the LA Times and other articles about the news and future of Antioch College.
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