To Improve Staff Retention Work on the System, Not in the System

Challenge

Xavier Lewis, Principal at Collegiate Prep, a public, pre-K-5th grade school in Cedar Hill, TX, faced significant staff retention challenges coming out of the pandemic. In 2021, Collegiate Prep was experiencing minimal scholar growth, high staff attrition and declining enrollment. As a result, Xavier dealt daily with a huge number of parent and employee complaints. The situation had him working 17 hours a day just to hold the school together, and his well-being suffered.

During The Breakthrough Coach Program, Xavier realized he was making the situation worse by not working at his level of leadership. He made the decision then and there to implement The Breakthrough Coach’s Fundamental Practices™and to tap into the creative potential of his staff and stakeholders, rather than trying to single-handedly address every issue himself.

Solution

Xavier began to think differently about his leadership role – specifically about his role in establishing school-wide systems to increase staff productivity and satisfaction. He became much more present around the building by scheduling two days every week to walk hallways and be in classrooms observing and supporting teachers. He then used the other three days a week to coach staff about what he had observed, and to address any questions or concerns they had. He created a trackable system for managing staff requests of the front office that enabled staff to know exactly when they would receive the answers and materials they needed to do their jobs. In addition, he designed a process for disseminating up-to-date information school-wide so that all staff were on the same page at all times.

Outcomes

The Breakthrough Coach’s impact on Xavier’s leadership at Collegiate Prep was transformative. By June 2024, the school’s staff retention rate had skyrocketed to 94%, from a low of 47% in 2021.

Xavier proudly acknowledges that, “The Breakthrough Coach has instilled in me a deep sense of openness and receptivity to staff concerns, and I am now confident giving feedback and support, rather than immediately jumping in to solve problems. I have instead learned how to co-design action plans with staff that encourage them to solve their own issues.” His lighter touch approach also has him feeling calmer, well-rested and much healthier – he has lost 50 lbs in 2 years!

Conclusion

Xavier’s journey showcases the transformative power of The Breakthrough Coach Program. By embracing The Breakthrough Coach’s philosophy of “working on the system, not in the system,” Xavier achieved remarkable staff retention outcomes, while also gaining confidence, personal satisfaction and peace of mind.

Take the first step towards causing breakthroughs in staff retention and personal well-being. Contact The Breakthrough Coach today!