Focus is difficult. As superintendents we are pulled multiple directions by a diverse set of constituents. We know this to be true as individual leaders, but it is also true for the superintendent/cabinet team. Our teams need methods to stay on track, and the goal of this three part series is to assist your group with some helpful tools to accomplish that task.
One way to help the superintendent/cabinet team maintain focus, and prevent key items from falling off our plate, is to develop and maintain an “Organizational Checklist” (click on the “Free Resources!” tab on the blog page and I will provide you a sample Organizational Checklist).
An Organizational Checklist outlines the key items to be addressed each month, identifying who is in charge of each component, and noting the date by which task must be completed. Although it may take some time to initially compile, the Checklist prevents important dates and tasks from being forgotten by the team.
The Organizational Checklist is updated annually (prior to the start of the new school year) and oftentimes throughout the year as dates change, new items are considered, and previous responsibilities are removed. It is a living document, which again, is designed to help the team maintain focus on the items which simply can’t be overlooked.
Once developed, the team should review the checklist at each cabinet meeting with the goal of staying two weeks to one month ahead of schedule. Doing so enables the group to see what is coming up and also alerts individual cabinet-level members to responsibilities which must be addressed within their individual departments.
Again, send me an email to get a sample copy of an Organizational Checklist. I can truly say as a superintendent it has enabled my cabinet team to catch many items of importance, which might have gone unnoticed creating a negative impact on our credibility. If you don’t have a checklist develop one today, it will enhance your cabinet team’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Do you use a certain method for the superintendent/cabinet team to stay focused? If so, please share in the comments below.
I would love to see a copy of your organizational checklist.
Patrick – Send me an email at hcarlsonthesupt@gmail.com and I will send you a sample organizational checklist.