Do I stay or do I go?

It is remarkable just how wrong one can be. As a young, fresh-faced Head back in the mid 1980’s, I had the incredibly misguided view that I was absolutely indispensable to my school. I had to be ever-present at every event, to be there every morning and evening to meet and greet every pupil and parent (at one school that involved crossing all the children across a busy road from 8am every morning!), monitor every lesson and ensure that the vision was adhered to. It was my belief that the school would not survive without their knight in shining armour leading them into battle each day.

The reality is that good, effective leadership allows space for everyone. Of course, there has to be a person to stand at the front, both literally and metaphorically. Someone does have to take the tough decisions and be accountable for pupils’ progress. However, how much better is it if every person in your team believes that they have leadership responsibilities and accountability? It is, of course, vital that the entire team buys into a single vision, the same understanding of the direction the school is taking. Once you have that, empower your team to conquer the world and move on together.

There are shared beliefs that each member of the team should hold dear: a deep mutual respect and appreciation of each other; a driven resolve and endless ambition for the school, the pupils and themselves personally and collectively; a sense of modesty and humility so that every member of the team can shine. If you have all that, leading the team is simply a matter of effective communication with each person and keeping a steady hand on the tiller as the winds of change blow across the bow!

So my advice to every head, young or old, is to gather that team together, develop the vision, keep your hand on the tiller but then trust your team to deliver. You can then get yourself out of your office. Keep yourself fresh, up to date and skilled for the ever-changing educational landscape in which we find ourselves. After all, your PA probably knows as much about the running of a school as you do!

If you want further information about how every member of your school community could be a leader, I have details of a programme called ‘Inspired to Lead’. Do make contact through TES Prime for details.

Mike Abraham, Recruitment Director, TES Prime