Recently a school board president asked me how to build trust with the superintendent. The board president apparently experienced a situation with a previous superintendent that strained the trust between them. The board president did not wish to be “burned” again. I explained that trust is fundamental to the board president and superintendent relationship. I offered a few suggestions for how they could build trust.
The school board president and superintendent should arrange to meet regularly, perhaps once per week for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or at least in the superintendent’s office. Personal interaction is better than telephone, email, or texting in order to establish good communication. They could determine future communication procedures with each other, with the board, and staff. Also they could be a sounding board for each other and agree to candidly share ideas without fear or risk. Communication is one way to build trust. Respect is another. They could demonstrate respect in two important ways.
Respect each other’s judgment. They should respect their unique leadership roles within the organization. The school board president has a governance role and the superintendent has a management role. Each must be confident in the other to do the right thing as a leader.
Respect each other personally. There should be no sarcasm, personal “jabs” even in jest, or intentional surprises for which the other is unprepared or embarrassed either publicly or privately. No back-stabbing, gossiping, or undermining. Each must practice genuine good will toward the other.
Trust is not automatic. It does not come with being the school board president or superintendent. Trust is built upon effective communication, a reliance on judgment, and personal regard. The relationship between the board president and superintendent can be the model for communication and respect throughout the organization. An organization where trust is important.
It was unfortunate that the school board president who spoke with me experienced a breakdown of trust with a previous superintendent. However, it was encouraging to see that the board president wanted to establish trust with the current superintendent. I hope the superintendent is equally willing. If they can learn to trust each other, then it is more likely they will have a productive relationship.
