November 2018 ESHA Newsletter

11/2/2018

Leading Off

Dear ESHA Friends,

We concluded our biggest event of the year - our Annual Retreat -
a few weeks ago. Mary Beth Noel, our very part-time venue evaluator par excellence, helped us find a terrific location for the gathering, and we are very grateful to her for her fine work.

The following evaluation is gratifying and a call to all who weren't able to join us!

"What a fantastic first ESHA conference! As a new head, I felt welcomed and immediately part of a larger collegial group that will undoubtedly provide the support needed as I traverse many new head challenges in the months to come. My husband and I enjoyed meeting many ESHA members, and I am currently reflecting on the many ideas I hope to implement which came from the seminars and discussions this past weekend. I appreciate the thoughtful planning that went into such a productive conference."

"As a new head, I would love to take part in the phone call groups. Would you please add me to a flight roster?"

We received many other positive evaluations, some of which are included with the photos below. So if you didn't make it to Florida in October, plan to join us in NASHVILLE next October 19-22. And let me know if you'd like to join a phone call group!

Best,

Chris

From ESHA President Elinor Scully

Dear ESHA Colleagues,

The 2018 ESHA Conference, "Lead with a Story," held in Palm Beach in mid-October by all accounts was an enormous success. Pete Upham of TABS gave a terrific presentation on the core elements of developing meaningful strategy for schools in our marketplace. Charlie Jones of Brand Intersection Group joined us for a second time and offered a multi layered approach to thinking about our individual paths to successful leadership. In addition, Tim Good and his team from Good Design reminded us of the power of unique storytelling each of our schools. Some us who arrived early had the opportunity to hear about the benefits of executive coaching from Katherine Stuart and the Education Group. These speakers motivated and inspired us to think deeply about our work as school leaders. And, as always, being with colleagues and friends throughout the weekend was nourishing both professionally and personally. I know I came home enormously grateful for the time ESHA affords me to recharge and reconnect with esteemed colleagues (and in a beautiful location to boot!).

I'm wishing everyone a restful and restorative Thanksgiving.

Warmly,

Elinor

Heads Up!

ESHA Flights: Ongoing Conversations with other ESHA Heads

ESHA member Abigail Wiebenson, former Head of Lowell School in Washington, DC, and currently a leadership coach, runs one of our connecting flights and summarizes what the calls entail:

The monthly Flights are an intentional way of giving ESHA members an opportunity to air ideas and consider situations in a safe, knowledgeable and collegial environment. These calls affirm and strengthen leadership as participants gain insight, awareness and validation from exchanging experiences with their colleagues about successes and dilemmas. Meeting monthly, if possible, has the added benefit of developing enduring professional and personal relationships over the course of a school year.
During the hour phone discussions, flight leaders listen carefully and guide the conversation, enabling ideas to be exchanged in ways that produce insights, affirmations and “takeaways” for the participants.

ESHA Is Delighted to Welcome Its New Members

Elizabeth Zurlinden, Rossman School, MO

Matthew Evans St. Peter's School, PA

ESHA in Florida: The Breakers Retreat

Attendee comments:

"The best professional development I do".... "Connecting with peers".... "The ESHA way is best!".... "Love the collegiality and warmth of the ESHA group".... "Time well spent." .... "An amazing experience that allowed me to connect with peers".... "Fabulous people and conversations".... "A top of the line experience".... "Such good people and takeaways" .... "My favorite conference."