Managing Up with Integrity
Strengthening Trust and Leadership Impact
Managing up isn’t just a helpful skill for Academic Leaders; it’s essential. In independent schools, where responsibilities and authority can overlap in complicated ways, the ability to communicate effectively with your supervisor, anticipate their needs, and contribute strategically to shared goals can transform your leadership.
In this highly interactive online workshop, Julie Faulstich, former head of school and principal of Stony Creek Strategy, will guide participants through the real dynamics that shape supervisor–direct report relationships. Using practical frameworks and scenario-based learning, you’ll learn how to clarify expectations and strengthen trust. This course provides the tools to navigate challenging moments with both confidence and professionalism.
You’ll leave with strategies you can use immediately to foster healthier communication while avoiding unproductive backchannels. These skills allow you to contribute more powerfully to the strategic work of your school.
Managing Up with Integrity: Strengthening Trust and Leadership Impact
Facilitator: Julie Faulstich
Date: February 11, 2026
Time: 12:30 - 3:00 PM ET, live online
Price: $350/person
Workshop Objectives:
1. Strengthen communication and expectation-setting with supervisors
Participants will learn strategies for improving clarity in conversations, aligning actions with their supervisor’s goals, and avoiding common communication pitfalls in independent school environments.
2. Navigate supervisor–direct report dynamics with professionalism
Participants will understand the typical patterns and challenges in supervisor–report relationships and practice approaches for maintaining healthy boundaries while supporting their supervisor’s vision.
3. Apply practical tools to build trust and contribute more effectively to school leadership
Participants will gain actionable techniques to foster trust, reduce backchanneling, and enhance their overall impact within the organizational structure of their school.
Ready to Register?
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Use code “Invoice” to register now. The cost to attend is $350. We’ll send you an invoice after you sign up.
About Julie Faulstich
A former head of school with over 25 years experience, Julie has led successful and innovative change efforts in every area of school life. She founded Stony Creek Strategy in 2022 to champion a combination of thoughtful communications and nimble management that brings leadership theory to life. Mission-driven leaders from the board of trustees on down need practical strategy, talented teams and solid implementation skills to navigate complex times.
Julie’s previous roles include Academic Dean and Assistant Head at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Natick MA and Head at the Westover School, Middlebury, CT. She writes and speaks on topics related to leadership, organizational change and innovative governance and has been featured at NAIS, TABS and other national and regional conferences. She holds a BA from Smith College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College.
Her Talking Out of School Substack newsletter provides advice and perspective on leadership to thousands of readers each week.