Even though being an education leader usually means that you are the head honcho, you must seek out the advice of trusted advisors if you want to be truly successful. Why? Because it allows you to tap into perspectives that are different from your own. It allows you to see the big picture of a decision, as well as all of the scenarios in which your initial plan could end in disaster.
Creating a “team of rivals”
As counterintuitive as it might sound, you do not want your leadership team or team of advisors to be comprised of people who think as you do. Also, in certain situations, it might be a good idea to add a few of your rivals to your leadership team. You know, those people who always choose a position or solution opposite of yours. Even if this is intentional, it does not matter.
Having a “team of rivals” vetting your decision making can be a productive and eye-opening activity. They can point our possible obstacles that you can not see. In the end, the decision will be your own, but at least you have left no stone unturned during your search for the appropriate course of action.
A little experiment
Let’s do a little experiment. Over the next 3 months, whenever you have a major decision to make, convene a group of advisors who you trust and who have different personalities and business approaches. Discuss the decision with them and allow them to help you brainstorm possible approaches and the pros and cons of each approach. After you have narrowed your decision down to 2-3 possibilities, choose the one that you feel most comfortable moving forward with. Inform your group of your choice, and thank them for their help. It would be a good idea to make this a working breakfast or lunch, so you can provide them with a great meal to show your appreciation.
