In my role as a search consultant, I have the privilege of speaking with impressive and accomplished educators who have yet to serve as heads of independent schools, but are seeking the opportunity to do so. We call these candidates “rising stars.” During my preliminary conversations with rising stars, I have often been asked how it is they come to know whether they should pursue a head of school position and what they should consider preparing for the search process and, more importantly, the position itself. 

While certain that there are as many excellent and varied responses to these questions as there are educators with opinions, I thought I would share a few, especially those that have appeared as patterns of a sort and/or tend to surface most often in my virtual presence. It is my hope that some of these responses might serve as food for thought, especially for those considering headship. 

Rising stars who impress a committee and appear ready for headship are respected and often promoted for their ability to carry out—with distinction—others’ visions for leadership, but can articulate their own vision developed over many years of service in challenging and varied positions. They are specialists in their sphere of influence on campus, but are not focused solely on their own narrow responsibilities. They, most importantly, tend to speak of their work and contributions with a warmth and enthusiasm that belies a hobby more than a task to be completed or even a roster of accomplishments.

Rising stars who impress a committee and appear ready for headship are also learners and ever curious about every aspect and dimension of their own schools: mission, vision, strategy, faculty, students, and curricular and co-curricular programs yes, but also budgets, parents, alumni, and fundraising. Exercising their curiosity makes it more likely they will understand every area of school life from the bottom up and more likely to establish their own beliefs as to how to manage the many and intertwined areas of campus life.  

Rising stars who impress a committee and appear ready for a successful headship are also observant and reflective. They note and take advantage of the case studies of complex challenges that come across the desks of their own heads of school on a near daily basis. These opportunities are an inexpensive form of professional development. They have the chance to consider the complexity or “gray” associated with these decisions. It is no wonder that rising stars eventually tend to ask themselves, “What would have happened if I had had the chance to pursue my idea as to how to address that particular challenge?” 

Rising stars will be expected to share their vision for leadership with warmth and enthusiasm. As a result of their curiosity, they will be expected to provide examples of their interest in every area of school life and of their experience working in these areas, however limited. Experience alone, while valuable, may not be enough to ensure a successful headship. Rising stars, who consider their work a hobby, and who continually reflect on all of their experiences, parlay their experiences into wisdom. It is a wisdom that every candidate and new head of school will need in abundance.