Last week I answered the first of three critical questions that I believe every organization and business must be able to clearly define and communicate.
The three questions are:
1. Why do we exist?
2. What does success look like for us?
3. What do our actions demonstrate?
This week I want to focus on the second question of "What does success look like for us?"
Success for us is to be "PARENT'S NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR PRIVATE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS!"
(I say that with one caveat; our success will never come at the cost of our mission. We will always fight mission drift!)
We are growing as a school; however, we are not just growing just to grow. We are growing on purpose; for a purpose! We will hover around the 1,500 students mark until we are able to add an elementary building. If we are fortunate enough to be able to build an elementary building we plan to limit our enrollment in a range from 1650 - 1800 students. There has been a lot of thought, outside consultation, and reasoning behind that number. We believe that number will allow our school be at its best. We will be small enough to still know all of our families, have a small school environment, and maintain our mission. We will be large enough to staff very well, develop the additional programs that we want to offer, improve facilities, and to compete at an appropriate level for our school.
To achieve success year after year there are five cyclical processes that we do as an organization consistently to find success.
1. Advance Our Mission
2. Continuously Build/Develop Trusting Teams
3. Study Worthy Rivals
4. Prepare For Existential Flexibility
5. Demonstrate the Courage to Lead
This is a cyclical process that has no linear end. There are victories along the way but there is no ultimate victory in the cycle. That is why I love it, I love the chase, the challenge, and the grind. You never reach the top. There will always be a cause, rivals, changes, development, and the need for courage. These processes are at the forefront of our mind and what we work through each Monday as leaders of this school!
Next week I will answer question three! There is significant interest in Shiloh from the community. It is imperative that we remain focused on why we exist, what success looks like for us, and what our actions demonstrate. We want quality students and families at Shiloh that align with our school culture.
The future is bright and exciting for Shiloh! I am beyond thankful for our families and the support you show! This is such a special place.
Lead NWA well this week!
- Dr. Keith McDaniel
