Counseling New Leaders for the Unseen and Uncertain

In his first two weeks In the new job, Paul conducted an ontne survey of students and parents to determine their preference for in-person or virtual learning as part of the governor's requirement that every school district submit a reopening plan by Aug. 1. Twin Challenges If you are a new superintendent reading this in fall 2020.1 have suggestions, drawing on my recent collaborations with education leaders, for how to "work the problem" when COVID-19 and the new flu season are presenting simultaneous challenges in a politically polarized society. * Accept that you are now leading in what the Army War Colege describes as a VUCA environment - one that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, * Learn as much as you can about how the school district and the community it serves have responded to previous emergencies. COVID-19 wll remain a moving target * Spend time developing a relationship with each school board member, principal and union leader in the school district You cannot meet this challenge by yourself.