Analysis: This Can T Be Happening To Me

Words: 947
Pages: 4

After reading ‘This Can’t Be Happening To Me’ in Chapter 4, the point was once again demonstrated that it is crucial for superintendents to reflect on the C.O.M.P.A.S.S. model to help guide them through difficult situations. Many times when you are directly impacted by a serious situation, your defenses go up and you may not be able to think as clearly. In my opinion, Rick Nichols may have been able to endure that fiasco if he had responded differently in a number of ways.
C= Composure: Rick lost his temper with the BOE president after Leon Fillingham, the instigating BOE member, made an unannounced appearance at a principal’s meeting. Although he was furious and frustrated, he needed to maintain his composure and discuss the situation professionally.
…show more content…
Being a superintendent is balancing the need to provide a free and appropriate public education to students in a cost effective manner while also managing the social and political aspects that are part of the job. I would have made myself very visible to the public, to the board members, and within the schools in order to gather information and read people’s body language to make myself as aware as I could of the pending …show more content…
It’s pretty bad when your wife thinks you are having an affair when the reality is that you are being bullied at work! The last thing Rick needed was to close himself off from his personal relationships. Furthermore, I would have solicited support from the community. A community can act like the roman mob in a sense, and set BOE members straight. When Rick became aware of changes, he should have made himself very visible to the public to boast about accomplishments of the district, students, and teachers. Moreover, his positive conversations could lead into discussions regarding district goals, such as restructuring the elementary schools. Parents are not usually afraid of the BOE and will speak publicly on behalf of favorable initiatives. This is the area I would have focused on the most in this situation. I would make myself available at the local hangouts, set up coffee clutches, and attend sports events for all ages, especially focusing contact with elementary parents.
S= Self-actualization: Although this is difficult, when someone is taunting you, the best remedy is to stop focusing on them and direct your attention to yourself by asking, “What can I change? What do I have control over? What don’t I have control over?” This set of questions will lead you down a more positive path. For instance, Rick was not going to win Leon over, however, he knew