Leadership Services

Recruiting and Selecting Staff

We know from experience how challenging it is to attract the right persons to apply for the role of Principal and so we go out of our way to ensure the recruitment process is as good as it can possibly be. It is very important to us that a School Board has at least two or three applicants who are strong contenders for the role, because appointing a new principal is the most important decision a board will make.

We work with the School Board on the process and assist in practical ways including coaching of Board Members in carrying out the short-list and final interviews. We can also carry out the reference checking, which is such an important part of the process, and psychometric profiling if this is required.

Our experience of recruitment of principals is in both secondary and primary schools both state and state-integrated.

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Developing High Performing Teams

We know the importance of a well-functioning school senior leadership team in leading pedagogical change and enabling successful teaching and learning.

We can help schools review the current leadership structure, evaluate organizational strengths and needs, review team strengths to maximize performance and capability, and provide the right balance between the management and educational leadership functions of the role.

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Managing Performance

Managing a non-performing staff member can be difficult. Raising the standard of a staff member who is performing adequately or even well can be equally challenging.

There is value in bringing in a person from outside the school who can be very objective and considered. We can assist you to ensure your staff member’s talents are maximized through sound performance management skills. We know that not all staff are able to improve and we will help you through the necessary processes to deal with these situations.

We are currently developing new approaches that relate to the New Zealand Teachers Council changes which have been signalled. Call one of our associates who can discuss a bespoke approach with you.

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Managing Change

Change is a constant at every level of a school and managing change effectively is integral to the school leader role.  We can assist you in the complex process of implementing effective change in your school through a framework that involves:

• Planning the change, including identifying its objectives
• Engaging the school community – teachers, students and whānau
• Effective use of evidence to inform the change
• Resourcing the change and providing appropriate training and support
• Monitoring and evaluating the change process to ensure it is embedded and sustained in the school culture

Contact our team to find out how we can support you in the complex process of managing change in your school.

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Leading Learning

In order to bring about improved academic performance you need to have the right people in the right job, supported by systems and processes that enhance what they do, and give them the encouragement and motivation and the right tools, to achieve.

Knowing your students are performing well academically is reassuring. The question then becomes could they do better? If so, how could this be done? One of our directors has helped three large schools bring about a measurable increase in academic standards across the year groups. We can provide this service for you.

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Resolving Conflict

This section is currently being updated with new content. Please check back soon for comprehensive information about our conflict resolution services for educational institutions.

In the meantime, please contact us directly to learn how we can help your school address and resolve conflicts effectively and constructively.

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Mentoring

The role of principal can be a lonely one as it is not always appropriate to discuss some matters with your leadership team or with colleagues in other schools. This is where the value of a mentor becomes apparent.

In working with a mentor, a principal has the opportunity to work closely with a professional who can question and guide, who can provide another set of eyes and perspectives. This can assist the principal or senior leaders to see the bigger picture, the options and possible outcomes of specific responses to concerns and/or issues.

The strategic nature of the principal's role is assisted by the one-on-one discussions that can take place between a mentor and the leader. The mentor also becomes the person to whom the principal can refer to discuss issues which require another view to be included in decision making and is a useful contact readily available.

This is done in an entirely confidential manner where difficult questions can be discussed safely. The mentor conversations can also improve confidence and give the leaders the opportunity to 'rehearse' possible outcomes and how these could be dealt with.

Ahead Associates has five ex-principals among its associates who are available as mentors, three from secondary schools and two from a primary school who are available as mentors.

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