During an administrative team meeting concerning budget revenue needs, potential teacher retirements in the elementary school were discussed. The team reminded themselves that this matter was confidential because the potential retirees had not yet made final decisions about their future plans.
On Friday morning, a school board member approached the elementary school principal with a question about next year’s budget plan. Specifically, she wanted to know if the grade six teacher retirement might provide savings that could be used to buy new math textbooks. The principal reminded the board member that the retirement wasn't definite yet, and that confidentiality was strongly advised at this time.
The principal later called the superintendent to discuss the content of the conversation with the board member, and questioned how the board member might have known of the possible retirement. The superintendent responded that he had reviewed the potential savings from retirements with the board’s budget committee. He also expressed his regret to the principal when reminded of the understanding reached at the last administrative team meeting.
During the next administrative team meeting, the superintendent apologized to the group for violating the confidentiality of the team by discussing the potential savings from teacher retirements with the board’s budget committee. He acknowledged potential damage for team members who had shared confidential knowledge with the group if the information became known to the school staff and the general public.
What do we surmise about the relationship between the principal and the superintendent?
What possible harm could have resulted if the potential retirements had become public?
What does the superintendent’s response to the administrative team tell us about their working relationship?
How does this incident point out the importance of strong relationships within the team?
Can you think of a similar incident in your leadership team setting? What conditions must exist in order for the strength of team relationships to be maintained when difficult topics come up?