August 11th, 2021 by Barbara Barron Conflict between development and business offices doesn’t have to be a thing, but my experience in this profession has shown me that it often is. Many school’s business and development offices live in an awkward space between conflict and cooperation. Sometimes the relationship is chilly but workable, other times unproductive, even adversarial. From the …
How to Make Yourself Invaluable to a New Head of School
Revised May 8th 2024 | Originally posted May 19th ’21 by Barbara Barron It’s the season! “Turn over time.” From Heads of School to teachers and administrative positions, it’s the time of year when we see the postings, the openings, the announcements. People come; people go. It’s a moment in the year that can be as exciting as it is …
What Do We Want New Parents at Our School to Feel?
March 24th, 2021 by Barbara Barron First impressions matter. I’ve spoken at length about this because I believe it so fervently. I know I’m not the only one who believes that the first impression sets the tone for the rest of a relationship, moving forward. How do I know? Because one of my most popular articles is about how we …
Let’s Hear it for the One-Woman Development Office
March 10th, 2021 by Barbara Barron Please note that this article is intended for the eyes and ears of the Heads of School and Executive Directors out there. Read on, dear development pro. But then forward this on to your leader, with my best wishes. There she is, toiling away in her tiny office. Can you see her, in your …
Taking Care of Our Heads — of School, That Is
by Barbara Barron | Posted December 9th, 2020 | Subscribe to this newsletter These are crazy days at our independent schools. It seems like every day there’s a confusing change that forces us to rethink education. There’s more to juggle in our daily work than ever. More headaches! Zoom meetings balanced by in-person gatherings. Argh! And I would argue that …
How Can We Train Volunteers To Be Superstars For Our Campaigns?
by Barbara Barron | Posted April 10th, 2019 I’m a big believer in training. And practice. I’ve written before about the importance of practicing how to ask for support. How we need to strike the right balance between being sharp and focused in our approach, but also relaxed and confident. And how that balance is best achieved by doing it, …
How Can We Cultivate a Strong Relationship With Our Head of School?
by Barbara Barron | Posted April 11th, 2018 Got a little war story for you. A few years ago, my Head of School and I were at a solicitation breakfast with a very involved couple from our school. We’ll call them Alison and Greg. The couple’s two children attended our school. This prominent family made leadership Annual Fund gifts each …
How Can We Show Our Team That We Appreciate Them Every Day?
by Barbara Barron | Posted December 13th, 2017 Anyone who has ever held a management position knows how hard it is to keep people happy, productive, and engaged. It’s a tall order. We need to be inspiring leaders. We need to be clear and decisive managers. We also need to ensure our people are striving to reach their absolute best …