The Assessment-Season Check-In That Directors Actually Appreciate
Last week we talked about everything our directors have going on right now and just how busy they are. This is really a continuation of that idea, because in a lot of parts of the country, assessment season is still happening or just wrapping up. If your teachers are still in the middle of that, remember that’s where their focus is. That’s what’s taking up their time and energy right now. So the question becomes, how do we take care of them during this stretch without adding to their stress or giving them one more thing to deal with?
The answer is simple. Low-pressure check-ins that are actually helpful. This is not the time to sell anything. That will come later. Right now, we lead with support. Ask a simple question like, “What do you need right now?” or “How can I help you over the next couple of weeks?” And be ready to follow that up with something practical. If they look overwhelmed, don’t just ask an open-ended question. Give them something to react to. Do they have all their scores? Are they set with equipment? Are they ready for travel? Are there any last-minute issues that could cause problems at assessment? One of the biggest ones this time of year is repairs. If you can pick something up, get it through the shop, and get it back in time, that’s a huge win for them.
Everything you do right now needs to be easy to process and easy to respond to. Keep it short. Keep it focused. No long emails. No random marketing messages. And your weekly visits need to have purpose. This is not the time to just stop in and ask how things are going. We already know how things are going. They’re busy. They’re stressed. So show up with something useful. Show up ready to help them move forward. That’s how you stay relevant, and that’s how you continue to build trust during one of the most demanding parts of their year.