Schools are complex working environments and leading change in schools is far from a straightforward process. Yet, where possible, we look to simplify things, as we form mental models, classify and categorize, and aim to be both effective and efficient. Sometimes, investing the time and resources to gaining a deeper and greater understanding of something... Continue Reading →
Building trust in teams comes through true connection with everyone who is on the team. We know that the best teams flourish when trust and connection has been established and is maintained, or even strengthened. Having spent some time watching Brene Brown's TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability and slowly making my way through... Continue Reading →
School leaders spend a lot of time developing strategic plans, setting goals and writing action plans. Often the best laid plans and intentions are often derailed and not realised owing to the constant struggle to maintain focus and keep on track. This, to a large extent, is precipitated by the number of 'other' matters that... Continue Reading →
Communication is such an important element of leading schools successfully, yet the amount of time we spend planning communication is grossly underestimated. Good communication within and external to a school can not just keep stakeholders informed of what is going on, it can create action when needed, establish a school's identity, purpose and direction, as... Continue Reading →
Leading successful change in schools is not just about the ideas and initiatives but the implementation. The best change agents are those who can see change through from start to finish and consolidate that change as part of a school's culture. This takes time, patience and, most importantly, follow-up. Leaders of change in schools must... Continue Reading →
Knowing when it is your turn, or your time, as a leader is an important skill to master that if done well can have a significant positive effect on those around us. Leaders need to go first in times when they are needed to model the way forward and set the example for others to... Continue Reading →
Every school I have ever worked in or visited is keen to improve. When school leaders often talk about improvement, they more often than not consider what is needed to help teachers grow and develop. This may be in through the provision of resources to complement the teaching and learning that we wish to see... Continue Reading →
In our schools we have huge responsibility beyond just focusing on teaching and learning. The level of compliance that schools now have to adhere to, some things for good reason, has placed significant strain on the human resources of a school, namely teachers and school leaders. While governing bodies surrounding education and child welfare have... Continue Reading →
When leaders move to a new school or receive an internal promotion invariably we encounter problems to solve that instantly become our responsibility yet these problems may not be of our own making. As a result, we can be very quickly associated with the problem and needing to solve it. This is a really tough... Continue Reading →
