Day 3 started with colleagues sharing their personal reflections on their own leadership growth. It was clear from the conversations that the Leadership Pathways programme has impacted on both their understanding of leadership and their practice. As a result, the stock value of a leadership programme for middle and aspirant leaders within a school , as risen. And risen more than I had originally expected. For a significant number of colleagues in the room, LPs made a significant impact on their professional practice.
I felt that the comments were worth recording and certainly worth sharing.
- It is okay to be sinking (at times) and its okay to be surfing.
- How do I know, that as a leader, that I am challenging my lines? Especially when you are a non-specialist.
- The importance of building professional relationships and knowing which hat to wear, and when to change it?
- Understanding why we do what we do, as leaders.
- A questioning of the advocate or champion model, does it really have impact? Or just impact on those champions?
For some colleagues, addressing under performance or whole staff meetings requires a deep, deep breath. In some cases, it is even an unwelcomed challenge. Do encourage them to do it. Just read the post ‘Here, I…. go,’ post.
A leadership course is all that you know and have experienced about being lead, explained in ways you have not yet be told or heard.
So what has Leadership Pathways delivered for the candidate?
- Building confidence
- Gains in one’s self-perception
- A change in communication style
- Greater appreciate of the decision making process
- More resilience and the development of one’s moral compass
- A much ‘harsher’ commitment to priorities and a focus on core business
- A change in the way we presented ourselves; gents ties, ladies heels, glasses, straightening hair (and no I am not being sexist, this is what they said).
- More professional acknowledgement of others.
- Praise
Praise
This made me think about the use praise as a senior leader praise, (thougths back to the ASCL conference) and avoiding accusations of ‘being pratronising’ or ‘condescending.’ Our facilitator recognised the importance of praise and also made the point about how rarely senior leaders they themselves are praised. One of the candidates highlighted how good his school leader was with sharing praise and that, in return he DID received praise from his staff. But if you are expecting praise in return for praise, I think you will be disappointed. Metaphorical speaking, ‘praise’ as a leader is somewhat like a yoyo.
Primarily downward, and doesn’t as easily bounce back up without significant investment from you.
The final point I took from the session was a comment from one of the leaders in our final presentation session.
When in a position of leadership, spend a little more time on the balcony and a little less time on the dance floor.
I quite liked that.
Leadership Pathways baked.
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