I read a statistic the other day that identified 80%+ of independent schools as being seriously challenged by this economy, with a significant number probably not able to survive more than a couple of years at best. Though an exit from the recession may give them back some sense of life, my gut tells me that the problems they had before the recession will not have gone away. More likely, they have gotten worse if attitudes and assumptions haven't changed as a result of the squeeze.
Basically, I wonder what all these schools are focusing on during these tight times? Finances alone? Collective wisdom says that it had better be the program! We're schools, after all...it's what we do! If we can't get the program right, no one will come to our schools anyway.
The Dec 10 post from Tom Peters reminded me of the importance of program, from a human relationship standpoint. Here is the relevant paragraph:
"Tough times, which are still the context for many of us, provide the greatest tests of character. Tough times are the period when basic human decency matters most. From a commercial standpoint, tough times are the best of times to deepen relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we work and live. Yes, difficult decisions must be made ... again and again. But the way in which these decisions are approached and executed is the bedrock for the relationships that will re-ignite first and most fiercely and move us forward with alacrity when the worm does turn."
Amen.
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