Managing Up in Schools: Navigating Authority Changes with Julie Faulstich

Managing Up in Schools: Navigating Authority Changes with Julie Faulstich Managing authority transitions requires strategic relationship building and clear communication. Join Bridget Johnson with Julie Faulstich, founder of Stony Creek Strategy and former head of school, for essential insights on navigating leadership changes in educational settings. Julie shares practical strategies for building trust with new leadership while maintaining professional integrity. Drawing from 25+ years in educational leadership roles from department chair to head of school, she offers actionable advice on understanding your orientation to authority, creating shared reality with new leaders, and avoiding common pitfalls that damage working relationships. This episode addresses the unique challenges of managing up in independent schools, where the "family" culture can complicate professional boundaries and authority structures. Julie's expertise in organizational change and governance provides valuable frameworks for both seasoned administrators and emerging leaders. In this episode, you'll learn: How to assess your natural orientation to authority and approach new leadership relationships strategically Practical techniques for building authentic professional relationships without over-sharing or inappropriate boundaries Strategies for creating "shared reality" between your perspective and new leadership's vision Methods for navigating disconnect between stated organizational values and actual practices Tools for maintaining team stability and focus during leadership transitions Featured Guest: Julie Faulstich founded Stony Creek Strategy to champion "applied leadership" - practical application of leadership theory in educational settings. Her background includes Academic Dean and Assistant Head at Walnut Hill School for the Arts and Head at Westover School. She writes the widely-read "Talking Out of School" Substack newsletter providing leadership insights to education professionals. Recommended Resources: "Conscious Leadership" book (referenced in episode), Stony Creek Strategy website, Talking Out of School Substack newsletter Visit the Deans' Roundtable: https://deansroundtable.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-johnson510/ Email: [email protected] Student Life Assessment Program: https://deansroundtable.org/k-12-student-life-assessment-program-independent-school-evaluation/ Student Life Community of Practice: https://www.treyeducation.com/event/student-life-professionals/ The Dean's Roundtable: Where student life professionals connect, learn, share, and grow together. Tags: Educational Leadership Managing Up Authority Transitions School Leadership Independent Schools Student Affairs Professional Development Applied Leadership