Creating a “Team of Rivals”
You do not want your educational leadership team or team of advisers to be made up of people who believe the same way you do, as strange as it may sound. In some cases, it may also be a good idea to include a few of your competitors on your leadership team. Those folks who always chose the opposing viewpoint or solution to yours. It makes no difference if this is done on purpose.
Having a “team of opponents” scrutinize your decisions may be a beneficial and eye-opening experience. They may be able to point out potential barriers that you cannot perceive. In the end, you will have to make your own decision, but at the very least, you will have left no possibility open in your search for the best course of action.
A Little Experiment
Let us try a little something. Whenever you have a critical choice to make in the next three months, gather a group of trusted advisors with various personalities and business methods. Allow them to assist you in brainstorming alternative ways and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Choose the option you feel most comfortable moving ahead once you have reduced your options to two or three. Inform your group of your decision and express gratitude for their assistance. It is a good way to make this a professional breakfast or lunch so you can treat them to a delicious meal as a token of your gratitude.
