When Least Expected: Those “Oh No Moments!” February 4, 2025
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You’re sitting at your desk just before a major school event when a parent stops by and says, "Do you have a minute?” A minute turns into 45 as she reveals troubling information that is bothersome. Or imagine your school year is off to an amazing start when all of a sudden, you receive a phone call from a parent who informs you that one of your students has posted a threat on social media. How about when an accusation against a member of your staff is presented to you? Now what?
As a school leader, you understand that unexpected moments come with the territory; however, these situations are the ones that will keep you up at night. They are real and will occur, if not already, at some point during your tenure.
Managing the unexpected requires a blend of preparation, calmness, and timely action. Each situation demands a unique set of skills.
First, understand that interruptions in your schedule are inevitable and often come at the least convenient time. Rest assured; your comfort zone will not remain comfortable.
Then, remember that the welfare of each student and staff member under your leadership is paramount. Any situation that threatens that responsibility must be addressed swiftly and discreetly.
Finally, it is crucial to assure the person bringing the issue that their concern is being taken seriously, that school policies will be followed, and that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Your credibility as a leader is on the line.
The question then becomes, “How should we manage unexpected situations?” What are the critical steps that need to be taken?
Preparation:
Start by inviting God into the mix. Wisdom comes from God. Ask Him for guidance. Psalm 112:7 states: They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Who are they? You are. You have been placed in a position to serve others through leadership. We can find assurance in Ephesians 6:18-19. The Apostle Paul wrote: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
As school leaders, we can trust that God has not abandoned us and He knows the outcome. We can find peace in the fact that everything is part of His perfect plan. Pray in the Spirit that truth will prevail and for the well-being of those involved.
Here are a few practical steps to follow:
Rely on your past experiences. Your journey in leadership has prepared you for this moment.
Involve key team members in assessing the situation and crafting a plan of action. Diverse insights will serve the school well when navigating a complex situation.
Decipher truth from rumor. Verify the source. Were there witnesses? What exactly was said or done?
View unexpected issues as opportunities for growth. Difficult situations, when properly addressed, can lead to positive change. There is a strong possibility that your school will benefit from the information brought forth. When conducting a SWOT analysis, we learn that threats can also be turned into opportunities for growth.
Consult legal counsel when necessary. Many schools often have legal advisors available for such situations.
Calmness:
Maintain a state of calmness at all times. Acknowledge the concerns presented. To you, it may seem like an interruption or an inconvenience, but for the individual presenting the issue, it is important. In all situations, be polite, listen attentively, and display empathy. Every detail is crucial when moving forward. Avoid interrupting. Ask meaningful questions. Clarify what you’ve heard by repeating it and then asking for confirmation. Above all, remember James 1:19: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Timely Action:
Not all situations require immediate action. Proceed skillfully and with caution. The urgency in managing the situation is your professional call. It is, however, imperative that you convey to the concerned parties that the matter in question will be investigated promptly, with confidentiality, and transparency, all while upholding the school’s core values.
Relationships with your stakeholders will be enhanced when situations are handled professionally. By responding effectively, you will be seen by many as one committed to the welfare of your school community.
Your well-laid-out schedule for the day will be disturbed, causing you to change course; however, knowing this may also help you eliminate a few blind spots.
C.S. Lewis once wrote: The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life—the life God is sending one day by day.
The least expected interruptions are your real life. Stop what you are doing and serve!
You’re sitting at your desk just before a major school event when a parent stops by and says, "Do you have a minute?” A minute turns into 45 as she reveals troubling information that is bothersome. Or imagine your school year is off to an amazing start when all of a sudden, you receive a phone call from a parent who informs you that one of your students has posted a threat on social media. How about when an accusation against a member of your staff is presented to you? Now what?
As a school leader, you understand that unexpected moments come with the territory; however, these situations are the ones that will keep you up at night. They are real and will occur, if not already, at some point during your tenure.
Managing the unexpected requires a blend of preparation, calmness, and timely action. Each situation demands a unique set of skills.
First, understand that interruptions in your schedule are inevitable and often come at the least convenient time. Rest assured; your comfort zone will not remain comfortable.
Then, remember that the welfare of each student and staff member under your leadership is paramount. Any situation that threatens that responsibility must be addressed swiftly and discreetly.
Finally, it is crucial to assure the person bringing the issue that their concern is being taken seriously, that school policies will be followed, and that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Your credibility as a leader is on the line.
The question then becomes, “How should we manage unexpected situations?” What are the critical steps that need to be taken?
Preparation:
Start by inviting God into the mix. Wisdom comes from God. Ask Him for guidance. Psalm 112:7 states: They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Who are they? You are. You have been placed in a position to serve others through leadership. We can find assurance in Ephesians 6:18-19. The Apostle Paul wrote: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
As school leaders, we can trust that God has not abandoned us and He knows the outcome. We can find peace in the fact that everything is part of His perfect plan. Pray in the Spirit that truth will prevail and for the well-being of those involved.
Here are a few practical steps to follow:
Rely on your past experiences. Your journey in leadership has prepared you for this moment.
Involve key team members in assessing the situation and crafting a plan of action. Diverse insights will serve the school well when navigating a complex situation.
Decipher truth from rumor. Verify the source. Were there witnesses? What exactly was said or done?
View unexpected issues as opportunities for growth. Difficult situations, when properly addressed, can lead to positive change. There is a strong possibility that your school will benefit from the information brought forth. When conducting a SWOT analysis, we learn that threats can also be turned into opportunities for growth.
Consult legal counsel when necessary. Many schools often have legal advisors available for such situations.
Calmness:
Maintain a state of calmness at all times. Acknowledge the concerns presented. To you, it may seem like an interruption or an inconvenience, but for the individual presenting the issue, it is important. In all situations, be polite, listen attentively, and display empathy. Every detail is crucial when moving forward. Avoid interrupting. Ask meaningful questions. Clarify what you’ve heard by repeating it and then asking for confirmation. Above all, remember James 1:19: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Timely Action:
Not all situations require immediate action. Proceed skillfully and with caution. The urgency in managing the situation is your professional call. It is, however, imperative that you convey to the concerned parties that the matter in question will be investigated promptly, with confidentiality, and transparency, all while upholding the school’s core values.
Relationships with your stakeholders will be enhanced when situations are handled professionally. By responding effectively, you will be seen by many as one committed to the welfare of your school community.
Your well-laid-out schedule for the day will be disturbed, causing you to change course; however, knowing this may also help you eliminate a few blind spots.
C.S. Lewis once wrote: The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life—the life God is sending one day by day.
The least expected interruptions are your real life. Stop what you are doing and serve!