LM Oct. 2023hi

breakout session at the IASA Annual Conference. Our hope is that all of our colleagues can have success in one of the hardest, but also the most rewarding, jobs in the world by building a support network. Without that, a superintendent’s job can feel isolating as there is no one else in our organization that holds the same position. This can lead to loneliness and frustration, if you let it. Building a support network is essential to success in our jobs. Recent statistics show that 95 percent of superintendents report that our job has become harder, and 15 percent of superintendents plan to leave the position altogether. Now, more than ever, we need to reach out and support each other. To help our peers achieve success, we have compiled a list of reasons for networking and steps to help you build a support network.

Promotes growth

Strengthens your support network

Why Networking Is So Important:

Builds your reputation

Allows you to meet other leaders

Makes you noticeable

5 Steps To Help Build a Support Network: 1 step 2 step

3 step

4 step

5 step

Ask for Help

This Is a Job, Not an Identity

Attend Meetings

Network with Other Superintendents We are all colleagues Join a support network: Support networks need to be an organization where ideas and issues are heard, not judged or shared Phone calls/weekly check-ins Regional and state Zoom meetings Social media

Build a Professional Network

IASA events Division meetings and dinners Conferences (IASA & Triple I) Mentoring meetings Regional Office of Education meetings

Identify your purpose Diversify your network Use online platforms Attend events and workshops

It is a hard job, allow others to assist you It can be a lonely position, but only if we allow it. Don’t allow yourself to be trapped Reach out to other superintendents with questions and issues Utilize the IASA

This is what I do... not who I am

Find outlets that provide opportunities to enjoy life Be firm on work boundaries and share these boundaries with your Board of Education and respect those boundaries with your BOE Get away from the job, and make time for yourself

Now more than ever we need to support each other in our profession. This job is hard, but not impossible with the right support.

25 LM October 2023