These are not intended as a prescription, and many of the steps may seem obvious. The point is to recognize our strengths, our base of support and our need to offer leadership, even when we feel we can do little to alter the prevailing circumstances. We really can and do lead by example, and it is through the heat of such fires that our character and our values are exemplified. I m convinced that if the local news crews cannot find a sensational story in its own community, they will find one somewhere across the country and make certain your residents believe the same incident is about to happen in your school district. Don t listen to radio talk shows.
Many people believe talk radio is about the news.
It s actually entertainment in the form of goofy exchanges between residents, others and the interviewee. Don t let others lead you down a path where you ll be responding to faceless, anonymous characters who must vent periodically. Don t depend on board consensus for true direction. During most crises, board members are honestly concerned and genuinely interested in helping, but because of their unique positions, they re also at the beck and call of disparate forces and interest groups. An administrator should consider all the emotional reactions to a crisis and allow your own beliefs to guide you through the rights and wrongs of encountering crises head-on, honestly, openly and with a sense of compassion.