Developing Internal Leadership Capacity, Restructuring Teams, and Creating New Departmental Roles
Presented by:
For schools, and particularly for technology departments within schools, hiring is harder than ever. In this session, we'll discuss ways to develop leaders from within, best practices around restructuring team units, and how and when to create new departmental roles. Since 2015, ATLIS co-founder Gabe Lucas has been helping schools, leaders, and aspiring leaders explore and navigate complex transitions involving staffing, hiring, and professional growth.
Takeaways
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Four Approaches to Talent Management
Talent management parallels real estate: hire externally, retain, develop internally, or restructure roles—each with unique challenges.
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Shifting Trends in Hiring
Applicant pools are shrinking, and more candidates prioritize career growth paths and flexibility, making traditional hiring more complex.
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Developing Talent Creatively
Internal growth opportunities, like lateral moves or leadership development, can re-engage talented staff while addressing organizational needs.
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Importance of Flexible Retention
Retaining staff requires creativity—offering stipends, hybrid roles, or personalized career paths can keep valued employees motivated.
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Challenges of Restructuring
Moving organizational boxes might look simple on paper but often reveals unforeseen complications, requiring significant planning and adaptability.
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Internal Promotion vs. External Hiring
Promoting internally is cost-effective but requires preparation and support. External hires may bring fresh perspectives but come with higher costs and risks.
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Unlearning for Growth
Advancing to higher-level roles often requires letting go of skills or mindsets that served well in previous roles but limit future potential.
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Tailoring Leadership Roles
Leadership roles should align with a school’s unique needs, balancing operational demands and academic vision to maximize impact.
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Market Realities in Compensation
Resetting salaries below market rates for new hires is unrealistic. Budgeting appropriately for competitive hiring is essential.
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Customized Solutions Over Universal Models
No one-size-fits-all solutions exist; every school's talent and organizational strategies should address its specific challenges and opportunities.
