Episode Details

Dr. James Briscoe, superintendent of Canyons School District, explains what he looks for when hiring principals: someone who can say exactly how they will implement a vision, shows humility, stays visible and respects every opinion. He also explains how to build on what came before you.

Briscoe says that when a parent spends a half hour telling you what they are unhappy about, you sit down and listen, even though it is frustrating, then explain your rationale. You do not change your philosophy to please them. Most people walk away unhappy but understand, and they appreciate that you took the time to listen.

What you'll learn

• Ask principal candidates how they will get buy-in and implement their vision, not only what the vision is.
• Take every opinion seriously, even a far-fetched one, without changing your philosophy just because someone pushes.
• Meet with groups and explain your rationale, because people accept a decision more easily when they feel heard.
• Skip asking for input when you have already decided; say so, explain why, and take the hits.
• Block time for rigorous exercise, about half an hour four or five days a week, as stress relief.

Chapters

• 0:00 Strengths of the district: teachers and parents
• 3:12 Do current work better and honor the past
• 5:48 Principal qualities he hires for
• 9:36 Respect every opinion without losing focus
• 12:20 Explain your decision and take the hits
• 13:07 Why exercise is his stress relief
• 16:11 Get known and join the community
• 24:09 Take risks and climb the mountain

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Questions this episode answers

What do superintendents look for when hiring a principal?
Briscoe says anyone can share a vision, so he asks how candidates will implement it and win buy-in from students, parents and teachers. He also looks for humility, accessibility and visibility, patience, and the willingness to admit a decision did not work.

How do you handle people who disagree with your decision?
Briscoe says to take the time to meet with them and explain your rationale. You do not back down or get pushed around, but most people will understand and appreciate that you listened. He adds that you should not ask for input when you have already decided.

How do school leaders deal with stress?
Briscoe calls the superintendent's job extremely stressful and says exercise is one of the biggest stress reliefs in his life. He runs or does intense aerobics for about half an hour, four or five days a week, because he believes his health supports his family and his work.

About Dr. James Briscoe

Dr. James Briscoe is superintendent of Canyons School District and a former superintendent in DeKalb, Illinois.

Links and resources

• Sponsor offer link
• Sponsor Sanebox
• Transformative Principal website
• Podcast on Stitcher
• Refer a principal form
• Best Tools for Busy Administrators survey

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