1. How to be a fireball leader without getting singed
Dr. David B. Ross & Dr. Robert Rahamin
National Charter School Conference
Washington DC
June 23, 2009

2. Why Are We Here? Share thoughts on leading a charter school
What are the stressors of leading a charter school
Unique differences in charter schools
What can we do about it – Possible Solutions

3. Unique Differences & Stressors
Multi-tasking
Meetings (e.g., board, authorizers/sponsors, finance, curriculum, clubs)
Beginning teacher programs
Report to the board and authorizers
Different ideas and direction
Doing more with less (e.g., personnel, funding)
Parental and public expectations (e.g., public image, level of school)
Different needs based on your school culture

4. A Whack On The Side Of The Head
Look at yourself
Your leadership style
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to organize time
Know your limitations – do not be afraid to ask
Need a balance in your life (e.g., personal, professional)
Power of influence: Sharing the process
Information
Expertise
Legitimate
Theory Fastball & the Millwright Died

5. Futuring: Outlooks and Goals
Reflection
You already know where you have been so reflect to move forward
The Extreme Future
Some Super Trends
Increasing Mobility: Movement of people and information
Technological Progress: To achieve our purposes more effectively
Increasing Deculturation: Due to high mobility, rapid change, economic growth

6. Mindsets – john naisbitt
Many things change, most things remain constant
Future imbedded in the present
See the future as a picture puzzle
Focus on the score of the game
Understanding how powerful it is not to have to be right
Don’t get so far ahead of the parade that people don’t know you’re in it

7. Mindsets – john naisbitt
Resistance to change falls if benefits are real
Things that we expect to happen always happen more slowly
You don’t get results by solving problems but by exploiting opportunities
Don’t add unless you subtract
Don’t forget the ecology of technology

8. Solutions Be proactive Build trust Share power Accountability
Become a “Futurist”
Pat on the back

9. Share your thoughts and comments!
The beginning
Share your thoughts and comments!

10. references
Canton, J. (2006). The extreme future: The top trends that will reshape the world for the next 5, 10 and 20 years. New York: The Penguin Group.
Cornish, E. (2004). Futuring: The exploration of the future. Bethesda, MD: World Future Society.
De Pree, M. (1989). Leadership is an art. New York: Dell Publishing.
Naisbitt, J. (2006). Mind sets. New York: Harper Collins Publishing.