57: Strategic Planning Creates Culture // Tom Bennett, Santa Fe Christian Schools

Seven years ago, you probably wouldn't have wanted Tom Bennett's job as Interim Director at Santa Fe Christian Schools in Solana Beach, California. Sizable debt and red ink had delayed accreditation. They had no leadership team in place, no effective organizational structure and virtually no reporting lines in effect. Plus, two weeks before the school year began, the previous Head of School resigned. When Tom stepped in, his first response was to create a new strategic plan that could turn the school around. They began by finding an objective measure of their workplace culture. The strategic plan took two years to create – a process that was both hard, yet necessary. Today, Santa Fe Christian's Employee Engagement Scores— indicators of overall employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness—have increased to be in the top 20% of Christian schools. Executive leadership is solid, finances are sound and enrollment remains strong. The commitment to involve everyone and make the needed, time-consuming course corrections were worth it. Tune in to today's interview to hear the whole story and learn how Santa Fe Christian's sustainable strategy helped create a flourishing workplace. Find the full show notes at http://blog.bcwinstitute.org/57-tom-bennett-santa-fe-christian-schools.