By Gary Gruber

Several times a year, I get a phone call from someone that goes like this:

C: “Hi, Gary, this is  (_name_) and we talked some time ago about a search you were doing for a school in (name a place).   At the time I wasn’t interested, partly because I had just started a new job but lately I’ve been thinking about what might be next.”

G: “That’s how it usually starts, the thought comes up either because it’s that time in your life or you may want to move to a bigger challenge or some other reason.  What brought it up for you?”

C:“Well, for me, I’ve been here for 9 years and I could keep on going and doing what I’m doing.  They are going to offer me a five year contract but I’m not sure that I want to sign on for another five years.”

G:“And what makes you not sure?”

C:“I think I am ready for something bigger but I don’t want to upset people here by telling them I am looking around.  So what do I do next?”

G:“Have you seen something that piqued your interest?”

C:“Actually, yes and when I came home the other day and asked the kids where Mom was, they said they didn’t know and hadn’t seen her all day.  I thought that was rather strange and found her in the bedroom with her laptop where she had been all day researching a school and the place where it is and she said, ‘I am ready to move.”

G:“That’s rather funny but I understand. You must have mentioned the school to her and she picked up the ball and ran with it.

C: “Well, it made me think I ought to do something that would also benefit my family as well as myself and maybe we’ve been here long enough, that I did what needs to be done and it’s time to move on.”

G: “Regardless of the reasons, most of which are usually valid, we can talk about how you might want to proceed and timing is important because it often takes awhile to find the right, best fit.   Let’s go back to your not wanting to upset people.  It’s obvious they like you and vice-versa but most people will understand why you might like to take a step forward in your career, nothing untoward in that.  How and when you tell them is what is important.  How’s your relationship with your Board chair?”

C:”We have a great relationship, good friends as well as colleagues and my vice-chair is similar, no problems with either of them, and we get along just fine”

G:”Then I would suggest you take the Board chair into your confidence and let him know your thoughts, that you would like to explore some possibilities for the future but that you’re not intending to leave immediately. One step at a time.  That conversation will be very important.”

C: “I think he’ll be cool about it and maybe not even surprised and I did think that I should probably tell him so that we’re on solid ground as we go forward.  If you have any other suggestions or advice, I would be most grateful.”

G: “We can explore the possibilities, take a look at those things that are important to you and to your family too, and see how we might be of help as you start down this road.

C:  “Thanks.  It’s good to have someone like you  who has a lot of experience with this stuff and I appreciate your willingness to help get me started down the right road.”

G:  “Or get started down the road in the right, best way!”

C:  “Yes, that may be even more important.  I look forward to talking again soon.”

G:  “No problem.  Give me a call whenever you’re ready and we can explore the options, the possibilities and how best to proceed.”

C: “OK, will do, thanks again, talk to you soon.”