“We cannot lead anyone farther than we have been ourselves."
- John Maxwell

Cutting the Gordian Knot

In Ancient Greek mythology, there is the legend of the Gordian Knot, whereby the mighty military leader and king Alexander the Great was confronted with the untying of a most intricate knot. Instead of toiling laboriously at the tedious task, he brandishes his sword and swiftly cuts the knot. As an enduring metaphor, this story illustrates the value of bold and decisive action in solving complicated problems.

At Catholic Vitality 360, through our workshops, partnerships and coaching processes, we teach that Catholic school leaders today must be collaborative, bold and visionary, while creating a culture of growth and continuous improvement.

Reflecting on the lessons of the Gordian Knot metaphor, what lingering school challenges could benefit from your bold and decisive action? How can you improve your decision-making that is respectful of the mission and mindful of the resulting ramifications on all stakeholders?

Leaders must make decisions and not taking action is, in fact, a decision. I invite you here to consider the benefits of Strategic Thinking, whereas you create and execute a reliable system of gathering information, reflection and execution that governs the decision-making process.

The Essential Elements Catholic School Visionary Leadership

Within our success framework, the Seven Circles of Catholic Vitality, we place Visionary Leadership as a most prominent component in determining the operational viability of the school. Thus, through our assessment and analysis of hundreds of school leaders, here are the essential elements of Visionary Leadership:

• Essential Element #1: Maintain A Strong Spiritual Life. Visionary leaders must serve as a model for the adherence to a life dedicated that brings Jesus Christ, daily to the center of their lives.
• Essential Element #2: Surround Yourself with Positive, Competent Team Members. Visionary leaders build an administrative team, staff and structure that is comprised of a diverse and committed group of people that want the best for the school and one another. There is an abiding culture of respect and dignity for everyone.
• Essential Element #3: Establish High Standards with Accountability. Visionary leaders establish the highest of standards for themselves and others and provide ongoing evaluation of all processes and activities. Innovation and new ideas are rewarded.
• Essential Element #4: Implement Continuous Growth and Improvement Through the School Strategic Vision. Visionary leaders understand the value of engaging everyone in the ongoing implementation of a bold and responsive strategic vision. The mission and core values are paramount and implementation teams are meeting monthly to ensure that the vision remains the roadmap for success.
• Essential Element #5: Execute a Daily and Monthly School Communication Process. Visionary leaders promote transparency and engagement by executing a quality system of school communication utilizing multiple platforms and media.
• Essential Element #6: Elevate Strategic Enrollment Growth as the School’s Top Priority. As we say at Catholic Vitality 360, “Enrollment is Everything and Everything is Enrollment.” Without students, the mission ceases to exist. All efforts should be directed at being a Catholic school of distinction, attracting families and serving the mission of the Catholic church.
• Essential Element #7: Think and cultivate the “We” environment and culture. Engage the faculty, staff, parents and students in the dynamic life the school. Involve them in decision- making, finances, planning, implementation and new projects. Walk the talk and be willing to get to work to ensure success.
• Essential Element #8: Focus leadership talents on the Seven Circles of Catholic School Vitality.
  1. Visionary Leadership 
  2. Strong Mission & Identity
  3. Financial Stability
  4. Effective Marketing & Communication
  5. Quality Academics
  6. Strategic Enrollment Growth
  7. Vibrant Student Life.

Complete the Vitality Assessment Scorecard three times each year and address the areas of growth and improvement. See our website at catholicvitality360.com for the assessment tool.

The Strategic Thinking Model of Decision-Making

Application of the Strategic Thinking model of decision-making remains critical to harness the power and potential of Visionary Leadership. Important here is to assemble a trusted group of faculty, staff and advisory council members to test ideas, discuss challenges and deliberate on possible solutions. Here are some key questions that are part of the Strategic Thinking Model:

• Strategic Thinking Question #1: Does the activity advance our mission, vision and core values?
• Strategic Thinking Question #2: Who will be impacted by the activity?
• Strategic Thinking Question #3: How will they be impacted by the activity?
• Strategic Thinking Question #4: What are the desired outcomes of the activity?
• Strategic Thinking Question #5: What are the required resources to implement and sustain the activity?
• Strategic Thinking Question #6: Does the activity elevate our value proposition and marketplace advantage?
• Strategic Thinking Question #7: How will the activity impact enrollment?
• Strategic Thinking Question #8: How will we measure the success of the activity?
• Strategic Thinking Question #9: How will the activity contribute to a culture of growth and innovation?
• Strategic Thinking Question #10: How will the activity build the Catholic identity of the school and our students?

By reflecting on and considering the answers to these questions in light of the school’s mission and vision, decisions are subsequently made on key activities and shared with stakeholder groups. Transparency builds trust and visionary leaders are perpetually interested in maintaining trust and respect.

We Can Help

Here at Catholic Vitality 360, it is our ministry to serve your needs. Our mission is your vitality. All of the processes we share in our writings, videos and Zoomcast, THE CIRCLE are available to you. You are not alone in this work and we are happy to help. We consider you and your parish/school a vitality partner with us as we navigate building the Kingdom of God. Our proven approach will provide clarity, a working plan and a proven system that produces impressive results and engages more people in the life of the parish/school.

Engage others, share this dynamic vision, create a collaborative team and build ongoing vitality.

This will take time, patience, persistence, perseverance and PRAYER.

Do not fear, we walk in Faith and this is God’s work. 

Be Good and Do Good.

Now get moving on untying those Gordian knots.