Many school leaders put their own well-being low on the list of things to be paid attention to given the incessant operational and strategic demands of their dynamic environment. By the time students, staff, parents, governors and other local stakeholders have what they need there isn’t much time left.
But my own research suggests that the leader has a significant impact on the ability of those around them to thrive. As a school leader this process is amplified – if your staff are thriving then you are creating an environment where students can do the same. Leaders can thrive and encourage others to thrive by providing a trusting supportive safe environment and then ‘getting out of the way’ – giving freedom in which people can find challenge, ownership and meaning. To do this, leaders need to develop a resilient, energised and authentic leadership style that they can sustain over time – and that takes work.
