On the Job with Dave Davies

“On the Job With …” is a regular feature of Sunday Inc. Today, Deerfield-Windsor School Headmaster Dave Davies responds to questions from Danny Carter.

Q. What was your first job?

A. At age 14, I worked at an ice cream/soda counter in a restaurant.

Q. What was the first thing you spent money on when you received your first ever paycheck?

A. I bought a cassette recorder.

Q. What’s the single most effective technique you found over the past two years for keeping employees motivated?

A. I believe in hiring the most qualified people available, pointing them in the right direction, and getting out of their way. Empowerment is the most effective motivator

Q. What led you to your current position?

A. I fell into education almost accidentally and thought that I would stay for a year or two. Thirty-five years later, I am still enjoying working with young people, parents, and faculty. Most people who work in independent schools imagine what it would be like to head a school; I have been fortunate to live out that dream.

Q. Do you have a role model or mentor in your career?

NAME: David L.