Reader

I want to share something today that I've seen trip up more aspiring principals than almost anything else.

It's not a lack of experience. It's not a weak resume. It's how they walk into the interview room.

Most candidates prepare like they're studying for a test. They memorize answers. They rehearse scripts. They try to predict exactly what the panel will ask and have the "perfect" response loaded.

Here's the problem: panels don't hire the person with the best memorized answers. They hire the person who makes them feel confident about handing over a building full of kids and staff.

That's a completely different skill.

I call it the Chess Match Method — and it changes how you think about every question you'll face.

Here's the core idea in 60 seconds:

A chess match has four phases: the Opening, the Middle Game, the End Game, and the Post-Game. Your interview follows the same arc.

The Opening — The first 90 seconds. You're not answering a question yet. You're establishing presence. Calm confidence. Eye contact. The panel decides in this window whether they're rooting for you or evaluating you. Those are two very different dynamics.

The Middle Game — This is where most candidates lose. They answer the question they were asked. That's necessary, but it's not sufficient. Strong candidates answer the question AND connect their response to the specific needs of the school. That requires research. That requires strategic listening. That requires knowing which follow-up question your answer is going to trigger — and being ready for it.

The End Game — Your closing statement and your questions for the panel. Most candidates waste this. They say "thank you for your time" and ask something generic about professional development. A Chess Match closer leaves the panel thinking about you after you leave the room.

The Post-Game — What happens after you walk out. Follow-up emails. Thank-you notes. The 48-hour window where you either solidify the impression or let it fade.

That's the framework. If you want to go deeper:

🎯 The Chess Match Method ($27) gives you the full video training on this framework plus a workbook to build your game plan.
→ Get the training​

📘 The Principal Interview Playbook ($47) gives you 53 pages of frameworks, model answers, and 7 working tools — including a Story Bank Builder that makes the Middle Game almost automatic.
→ Get the Playbook​

Or if you want me to walk you through it personally — mock interviews, real-time coaching, and a CliftonStrengths debrief — the Accelerator starts June10th.

Soon I'll share one more thing about a live opportunity that's coming up. Stay tuned.

— Gordon