The RenewaNation Review 2018 Volume 10 Issue 2 | Page 39

STRENGTHENING CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Accountability Coaching W By Ron Gordon - Executive Vice President & COO of Renewanation HEN YOU HEAR the word accountability, what do you think of? Does the mental image of a harassing drill sergeant quickly form in your mind? When conducted with gentle yet honest guidance, accountability can be highly productive in shaping and repositioning leadership and organizations.   In the past two issues of The Renewanation Review, we explored the power of assessment in understanding the current state of a Christian school and the critical role of strategic planning and deployment in developing a thorough plan of attack for reaching a stated mission. Assessment and planning are both crucial; however, execution is where the rubber meets the road and unfortunately where many lead- ers and school boards fail in their efforts to strengthen their Christian school.   Accountability coaching is a powerful method to ensure both solid execution and lasting change. As with most lead- ership roles, a Christian school headmaster can be a lonely one. Faculty and staff are expecting direction and support, parents and students are expecting guidance and solutions, and board members are evaluating your every move.   The Christian school leaders we’ve provided with account- ability coaching have come to view our revitalization support team as their trusted advisors and advocates. They become dear friends, reaching out to us routinely to share their joys, frustrations, and challenges. We help them by: • Pulling their focus back on the important items that often get lost in the tyranny of the urgent • Sharing best practices and benchmarking information • Sequencing their improvement priorities to develop a connected path to the future 39