When Leadership Fails Our Kids: A Parent's Perspective on High School Athletics

As a parent, I recently witnessed a disheartening display of poor leadership and communication at my son's high school. The abrupt cancellation of the football program, a beloved tradition and crucial part of many students' high school experience, left our community reeling. This situation serves as a stark reminder that in education, as in business, effective leadership should always prioritize its most important stakeholders – in this case, our children.

The Situation

Just a week before the school year began, we received notice that the football program was being cancelled due to "lack of interest." This explanation rang hollow, considering football's popularity and the fact that practices had already begun. The reality, as it unfolded, was far more complex and troubling.

Where Leadership Fell Short

1. Lack of Transparency: The decision to cancel the program was made without clear explanation or justification. In both education and business, leaders must be open about the reasoning behind significant decisions that affect their community or team.
2. Failure in Communication: Shockingly, the coach himself learned about the cancellation from a cheerleader, not from the administration. This breakdown in communication shows a disregard for key team members and their roles.
3. Exclusion of Key Stakeholders: The coach wasn't initially invited to the parent meeting discussing the cancellation. This oversight excludes valuable perspective and expertise, potentially missing opportunities for solutions.
4. Improper Information Channels: Critical information spread through informal channels, leading to confusion and mistrust. Proper communication channels ensure accuracy and maintain professionalism.
5. Avoiding Difficult Conversations: The administration's approach suggested an avoidance of tough discussions. Effective leaders face challenges head-on, even when it's uncomfortable.
6. Poor Role Modeling: As a parent, I'm acutely aware that schools are where our children learn about leadership and professional behavior. This situation modeled the opposite of what we hope to instill in our future leaders.

The Heart of the Matter: It's About the Students

What troubles me most about this situation is how it impacts the students – young people like my son who were looking forward to being part of a team, learning valuable life lessons, and creating high school memories. In education, every decision should be made with students' best interests at heart. Similarly, in business, leaders must prioritize their team members' growth, development, and well-being.

Lessons for Better Leadership

1. Prioritize Your Key Players: Whether they're students or employees, the people you lead should be at the center of your decision-making process.
2. Communicate Openly and Often: Be transparent about challenges and decisions. People can handle difficult news if it's delivered honestly and with empathy.
3. Include All Stakeholders: Bring in all relevant parties when making significant decisions. Their insights could lead to better solutions.
4. Use Proper Channels: Ensure important information comes through official channels to maintain trust and professionalism.
5. Face Challenges Directly: Don't shy away from difficult conversations. Addressing issues head-on earns respect and trust.
6. Be the Leader You'd Want Your Children to Have: Remember that in educational settings, you're not just managing a program – you're shaping future leaders.

Moving Forward

As parents and community members, we have a responsibility to hold our educational leaders accountable and to advocate for better leadership practices. Our children deserve nothing less.

If you're a leader struggling with communication or decision-making, remember that it's never too late to improve. Seek feedback, be open to change, and always keep your key stakeholders – be they students or team members – at the heart of your leadership philosophy.

In my professional capacity as a leadership and high achievement coach, I encourage anyone who feels they're not the leader they aspire to be to reach out. Let's discuss your leadership style and explore ways to become a better, more effective leader – the kind of leader we'd be proud to have influencing our children.

After all, whether in schools or in business, great leadership is about nurturing and empowering the people who rely on us. It's about building a community where everyone can thrive. Let's commit to being the leaders our children, our teams, and our communities deserve.