There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves. Lyndon Johnson As we begin our first few September meetings, we may experience two feelings. On the one hand there is the joy and privilege of leading the individuals who make up our uniquely-shaped team. But on the other … Continue reading 10 tips on how to build a cohesive team
writing
Fathers and Sons
I’m one of four boys, who have just lost their father, very soon after losing their Mum. As a father myself, I have two sons in their twenties. And as a school leader for more than 30 years, a question I often ask myself is, what kind of men do we want our boys to … Continue reading Fathers and Sons
Balancing the operational and the strategic
'I’m spending all my time being operational', is a common complaint I hear from school leaders. They are, in other words, too busy dealing with the day-to-day to be able to focus on the the longer term. They sometimes describe this in a way which suggests that ‘operational’ is somehow more basic, a set of … Continue reading Balancing the operational and the strategic
Strengths, not weaknesses
Whether it’s losing weight, getting off the phone, or trying to read more books, new year resolutions are mostly about fixing our weaknesses. It’s tempting to apply this preoccupation with our failings into work mode. But the beginning of the year is the best time to focus on our strengths and how we might develop … Continue reading Strengths, not weaknesses
The practice of writing cards (saying thank you, better)
One of my former bosses would, every time he visited my school, make a clandestine card drop on my desk, which I’d discover only when he was driving off into the sunset. The card was simple, the handwritten message heartfelt, and it never failed to make my day. I struggle with gratitude. I don’t mean … Continue reading The practice of writing cards (saying thank you, better)
A positive way of giving a negative message
The way you treat people is what they become. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. When we sit down with a teacher after observing their lesson, we think carefully about all the myriad elements we might choose to feedback. And mostly we know to only select the one or two elements which are helpful for them to work on right at … Continue reading A positive way of giving a negative message
10 tips for more effective one-to-ones
Image - Gregor Cresnar One to ones are quiet, focused collaboration time for employees and bosses to connect. It’s their time, not yours. Kim Scott - Radical Candor We can all point to memories we have of great and terrible line managers we’ve experienced, and the shape of the clumsy boot-print or lifelong inspiration they … Continue reading 10 tips for more effective one-to-ones
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