Ryan’s three characteristics of leadership:
Be accountable: As the CEO of NBOA, I frequently remind my staff that I get the lion’s share of the credit for our successes and the lion’s share of the blame when things fail. I’m sure you can relate as your school’s business officer. That’s why, when I receive a compliment about any of the association’s work, my first response is always, “we have a great team at NBOA.” I hear the same thing when successful business officers talk about their schools.
Make the tough calls: In my opinion, making the tough calls is hard, but living with the consequences is perhaps even more challenging. The other day I was talking with a business officer who is well regarded nationally for many reasons—in short, he is an outstanding leader. He was handling a difficult HR issue, and throughout the back and forth he had started to second-guess himself. He wondered, were his actions indeed as the employee had characterized them? I realized that even this great leader faces personal criticisms because of his willingness to make tough calls on behalf of the organization.
Put talent first: Years ago, a mentor of mine underscored the importance in hiring of checking references, involving staff and, above all else, assessing the candidate’s fit with the culture. John Ryan supports this notion, as has the NBOA Business Office Survey for years. Many individuals come to the independent school business officer role with technical skills in finance, accounting, etc. But if they are not a cultural fit with the school, it’s likely that they will leave within the first three years. On the other hand, if they are both skilled and well-suited for the school’s culture, it will likely be the job they retire from.
Thanks to John Ryan for this pithy exploration of effective leadership. For me, it’s a reminder to keep making “the tough calls” in the best interest of NBOA. Which of these three characteristics will you commit to working on in the best interest of your school?
