At a recent conference, a topic came up that generated more conversation than almost anything else on the programme: managing up. Not performance management, not leading a team, not difficult conversations with direct reports, but the art of communicating effectively with those above you in the hierarchy. It struck a nerve, and for good reason. […]
Picture the scene. A room of around 14 education leaders, a solicitor at the front running a session on absence management. Good content, useful stuff, the kind of thing anyone with responsibility for a team should probably sit through at least once. As the session progresses, it becomes quietly, unmistakably obvious that every single
Why Education Leaders Stay Silent About Management Problems (And What It’s Costing You) Read More »
At the end of January, we had the pleasure of attending the Boarding Schools’ Association Annual Boarding Conference. As always, there was huge value in spending time, outside of the work setting, with lots of education professionals from all over the UK. Sessions sparked reflection, and informal discussions often proved just as insightful as
What Confident Leadership Really Looks Like Read More »
Being promoted into a leadership role is often seen as a vote of confidence. You’ve demonstrated potential, built experience, and shown that you’re ready for more responsibility. But here’s what people don’t always tell you: stepping into leadership can also feel completely overwhelming. Especially in education. Because leadership in this sector isn’t just about
Many educational leaders find themselves under constant pressure to balance day-to-day demands with the bigger picture of building strong, motivated teams. It’s easy to get caught up in firefighting, solving problems, ticking off tasks, and keeping operations moving, but this often leaves little time to focus on the leadership presence that inspires confidence and trust.
Webinar Replay: 6 Smart Leadership Habits Read More »
Leading in education often feels like operating at full speed from the moment you walk through the door. The demands come quickly and from all directions, staff, pupils, parents, governors, inspectors. Time is limited, energy is finite, and the urgent often overtakes the important. That’s why leadership development, personal growth, and even basic habits
Leading with Intention: How Habit Stacking Supports Effective School Leadership Read More »
September brings both a sense of renewal and a quick return to reality. The calm of the summer break fades fast, replaced by packed timetables, urgent decisions, and the unspoken pressure to “hit the ground running.” Whether you’re a senior leader overseeing whole-school operations or a middle manager supporting a specific function, the start
Small Shifts That Make a Big Impact Read More »
Ever feel like you’re a juggler in an educational circus, keeping multiple balls in the air as a leader within your school? Management isn’t solely about balancing tasks; it’s an art form, one that’s underpinned by skills that can elevate your work from mundane to masterful. Whether you’re a wizard in IT, a champion of
10 Key Management Skills Every Educational Professional Should Master Read More »