INVITATION TO MICRO-MANAGE AASA – February 12, 2010 Linda Hanson Ed. D. Harry Rossi Ed. D.

MICRO-MANAGING: TWO VIEWS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION “It’s my job” THE SUPERINTENDENT “It’s my job” “Know Yourself, Know Your Job, Know Your People” Bob Simi

DEAL WITH THE TRAINER, NOT THE DOG The Top Ten Reasons Why Boards Micromanage

Reason Number 10: NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION Board Is Suspicious Board Fills in Blanks Board Uses Others’ Information Board Can’t Make a Good Decision

Reason Number 9: TOO MUCH INFORMATION Board Is Overwhelmed Board Uses Small Thinking Board Moves to Brainstorming Best Options Not Clear Main Points Are Lost

Reason Number 8: STRUCTURES NOT IN PLACE Too Many Board Committees Poor Decision-making Structure Too Much Access to Staff Operating Norms Not Present No Pre-Nuptial Agreements

Reason Number 7: BOUNDARIES NOT CLEAR Staff Evaluations Staff Committees Role in Hiring Earlier Agreements Are Better

Reason Number 6: Not Using Administrative Prerogatives The Prerogatives of Superintendent by State Code The Prerogatives of the Board of Education by State Code

Reason Number 5: SINGLE ISSUES DOMINATE Board Pet Projects Decision-making Structure Lacking Research Pros and Cons Options Whoa!!!

Reason Number 4: CLIMATE IS POOR Praise What is Good Do Not Praise What is Not Good Praise All Board Members Deal With Problem Board Members See Board as a Strength Support Their Decisions

Reason Number 3: TOO TIMID What Do You Stand For Speak With Facts, Not Passion Speaking Up When You Should (Afraid to Offend) When Will You Fall on the Sword

Reason Number 2: TOO AGRESSIVE Disagree In a Way That Educates Be Less Reactionary – Count to Ten Goal Attainment vs. Connections Ask, Don’t Tell See Board as Asset, Not Barrier Change Your Mind and Tell People Don’t Know Everything

Reason Number 1: SUPERINTENDENT COMPETENCE Assert Your Competence Showcase Your Strengths Care About the Image of Your Board Know What’s Important Be Current and Knowledgeable