Small Shifts That Make a Big Impact

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 of term can feel like a race that began before you had time to warm up.

It’s no wonder so many leaders start the year already stretched.

But the truth is, the impact you make in these first few weeks isn’t measured by how much you do. It’s shaped by how you lead. And often, the most powerful leadership shifts aren’t the dramatic ones, they’re the small, intentional changes that build trust, clarity, and confidence over time.
So if you’re feeling the pull to do everything, solve everything, and be everywhere at once, take a step back. Because small shifts can make a big difference.

Here are five practical leadership moves that can help you start the year well and sustain that momentum in the months ahead.

1. Be Visible Without Being Constantly Busy

The start of term often comes with a pressure to be seen to be doing. But leadership visibility doesn’t mean filling every moment with action. It means being present in a way that is calm, purposeful and engaged.
A few minutes walking the school, greeting staff in the morning, or checking in with a colleague in person can have a far greater impact than an overflowing inbox. These small moments of connection build confidence. They remind your team that you are accessible, not just in the crisis, but in the everyday.

2. Ask More Than You Answer

Many leaders feel pressure to jump straight into problem-solving mode. You’ve been promoted because you’re capable and reliable, so naturally, people turn to you for answers. But constantly fixing things for others can limit their growth and drain your time.
Instead, try pausing and asking a thoughtful question:

“What do you think would work here?”
“Is there a way we could make this easier?”
“What support would help you take this forward?”

These kinds of questions invite ownership and trust. They also show that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about empowering others to find them.

3. Protect Your Time, And Your Energy

It’s tempting to start the year saying yes to everything. You want to be helpful, supportive, approachable. But without clear boundaries, you risk becoming reactive instead of strategic. Start by identifying your non-negotiables. What time each week do you need for reflection or planning? When are you at your best, and how can you protect that space? Let your team know how and when you’re available, communicate it clearly and stick to it. Boundaries are not barriers. They are a way of modelling sustainable leadership. They give others permission to protect their time too.

4. Communicate for Clarity, Not Volume

We often assume that good leadership means sharing lots of information. But in the first few weeks of term, your team is already juggling a huge amount, policies, timetables, pupil needs, team changes. More isn’t always better. Instead, focus on clarity and consistency.

What are the three things your team really needs to know this week?
Is there a simpler way to say it?
Where might you be overcomplicating things?

Clear, thoughtful communication helps everyone feel more focused and less overwhelmed. And it shows that you value their time, not just your message.

5. Start Development Conversations Early

It’s easy to let development slip down the list in September. There’s so much to manage that team growth feels like a “later” priority. But setting the tone early makes a difference. Ask your team what they’d like to work on this year. Encourage small goals or areas of interest. Open the door to coaching, mentoring or peer learning, even if it’s informal. And most importantly, make time for your own development too.

By embedding development into everyday conversations, you reinforce a culture of growth from the start. You show your team that their progress matters and that leadership is about continuous learning, not perfection.

Leadership Happens in the Day-to-Day

None of these shifts are dramatic. They don’t require a big budget, a restructure, or a six-week course. But they do require intention.

Small changes in how you lead, how you show up, how you listen, how you set boundaries, send strong signals to your team. Over time, they shape your school culture, build trust, and improve how your whole organisation functions.

We believe leadership development doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can start with the small things, practised consistently, that help you lead with clarity and confidence, even on the busiest days. If you’re looking for practical leadership insight, guidance and reflection throughout the year, we’d love you to join our growing community of education professionals.

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