The Broken Feedback Loop: How Unexplained Decisions Erode Trust

When school leaders solicit employee input before making decisions but fail to explain their final choices, they create a "broken feedback loop." The NeuroLeadership Institute's SCARF model sheds light on why such unexplained decisions damage trust and morale. The model identifies five key social domains that influence behavior: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Choosing the Right Strategic Approach, Ian Symmonds & Associates

• Education Change Management: The Power of a Guiding Coalition, Learner-Centered Collaborative

• The Leadership Soft Skills Needed to Succeed at Each Leader Level, Center for Creative Leadership

• When Compliance Complements Culture, NBOA

Independent Schools’ Advantage in the Hiring Market

While compensation is crucial in independent schools, NBOA President Jeffrey Shields shares how John Castro’s eight reasons employees stay might apply to our schools. While a competitive salary makes the list, it is just one of the eight among meaningful work within a positive culture and job stability. The list includes feeling valued and respected, seen, and appreciated, reminding schools that our communities are places where people want to work.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Gen What? Debunking Age-Based Myths About Worker Preferences, McKinsey & Company

• How to Protect Your School From Malware Attacks, 9ine

• Improving Student Wellbeing: 16 Tools & Resources, Positive Psychology

• Smartwatches: The Growing Wrist-Based Distraction in Schools, Screenagers

Seven Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Peer Feedback in the Classroom

Failing up, John Spencer shares lessons learned on how to empower students in the feedback process. This resource offers both podcast and text versions with several explanatory videos. After establishing an environment of trust, he offers seven different feedback structures and encourages teachers to explain the purpose of feedback. Spencer differentiates between peer assessment and peer grading while setting parameters, expectations, and modeling the process.

Additional Research & Resources:

• How to Elevate Instructional Design with AI, The Education Table



• The Authentic Learning Matrix, Learner-Centered Collaborative

• Using Instructional Rounds as an Alternative to Traditional Professional Development, Tech & Learning

• What’s In a High School Transcript? Measuring High School Performance Beyond GPA, Brookings

Retention Realities for Independent Schools: Strategies for Building a Comprehensive Plan

While some attrition is inevitable, schools can implement comprehensive retention strategies through a team-based approach. Kathie Wachs with Kalix Marketing Group outlines key elements of a retention plan that include tracking potential departures, understanding underlying reasons, engaging all staff in retention efforts, and handling transitions gracefully. With regular retention team discussions, proactive family engagement, and transparent communication about financial matters, schools can proactively address possible departures.

Additional Research & Resources:

• 5 Components of an Effective Donor Stewardship Matrix, Blackbaud

• Bridging the Brand Gap, English Marketing Works

• Key Trends Shaping Major Gift Fundraising in 2025, Gail Perry Group

• Social Media Trends for Schools, Finalsite

New & Aspiring Leaders Institute

April 6-8, 2025, Birmingham, AL

Whether you’ve been newly appointed to a leadership role or you’re looking for a refresher on how to best lead others, develop your leadership style during the SAIS New & Aspiring Leaders Institute in Birmingham, AL.

You'll foster self-awareness of your strengths and potential leadership pitfalls, as well as discover how to build and lead effective teams, how to foster connection and collaboration, and how to develop a growth plan for the future.

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events:

• Capital Campaign Planning Essentials: The Feasibility Study, March 12, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT

• Advancing Community & Belonging Initiatives in a Mission-Driven Environment, March 18, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT

• Women's Leadership Institute, April 9-10, Birmingham, AL

• Administrative Leadership Institute, June 9-11, Sarasota, FL

• Summer Conference, June 16-18, Sarasota, FL