The Avocado Effect

In business, how do we know when it is the right time to do a deal?

In every organisation, and schools are no different, there is a sweet spot in time, the optimum occasion for action. The window is narrow, the opportunity equivalent in terms of an avocado ripening (not ready, not ready, not ready – too late). There is only one way to ensure that the opportunity is not missed, and that requires you to always be ready, always have a Plan B.

We noted with sadness a recent report on the closure of St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury, a leading catholic independent boarding & day school for girls 9-18 founded in 1945. The Dorset school has fallen into administration after being hit with “considerable challenges” caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The school had been operating at a loss for some time, according to a letter sent out by the board of governors, has now closed permanently with immediate effect.

A Chinese-based education company stepped in to buy the school in April but “political tensions” saw the agreement collapse a month later - just one day before contracts were due to exchange. Despite another 40 other parties indicating an interest in the business, there we no firm offers before the July 6th deadline expired.

The board of governors wrote “we have sought every other possible means of getting through the current situation including potential mergers, but without success,”. However, having operated at a loss for some time, it begs the question why the governors had not agreed a deal some time ago, prior to the added pressures of the pandemic and before the situation become critical.

Too often we are hearing of businesses that have left it too late to act, despite the writing having been on the wall for some time. It is true, to reach your goals you need determination, a positive attitude, and an absolute belief that you can achieve your aspirations; however, another important factor is to prepare for bumps in the road, obstacles and interruptions that could potentially crop up on your quest for achievement.

This may seem like a pessimistic mindset – but it is an important component in achieving success. We will undoubtedly come across challenges enough to make us wonder if we are able to achieve our goal at all. But with a plan in place, these challenges can be fought and overcome much more easily making the road to success a much less bumpy one. Preparing for the worst can create a sense of security and lessen the fear and anxiety that can naturally surface on the journey.

Headspace Academics; fresh thinking. Helping school leaders with solutions for their school’s long-term security.