miss sage's secrets of leadership

Updated: Sep 22, 2021

A big CONGRATULATIONS to the newly elected leaders

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Well it has been a while since I have written for Wildflower or seen the school community for that matter. Alexia texted me asking me to write an article on being a leader and to give some advice to the newly elected leaders, so I have. I know only too well it can be tough being a school leader, especially in these unpredictable times whilst also juggling Year 12 and anything else you have going on in your life. I know myself that the commitment needed to being a leader involves so much more than the times out of class representing the school, attending meetings or being involved in school assemblies. There were times where I was burnt out and drained because I kept going, no matter how busy I was, tired or jam-packed with other things, I kept going because that is just me. I had moments where I needed to rant, got frustrated or tried to do too many things on my own. In the end it was all worth it to me, I was always left smiling with the reward of the end outcome or the amazing opportunities I had and shared with Taryn and the team. At the end of the day, I honestly wouldn’t have swapped being a leader for anything else. Your job is incredibly significant, leading and managing change in school.

So, what are some of the qualities needed to be a successful school leader?. In my eyes there are so many and the list is endless. Each person and team will be and are different, no individual is the same. Every person in the team brings something unique to the table and has the chance to voice their own opinions and ideas to be heard.

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1. Vision:

It's easy to dismiss the concept of "vision" as vague, but the best school leaders are visionaries with a clear sense of moral purpose. Vision provides focus, motivation, and direction to move through change and obstacles. What is your purpose? What goals are you trying to reach—as an individual, team, or community?

Good leaders are able to articulate the path forward to their team. Leaders should be able to connect the work on the ground to the bigger picture and provide the why behind everything they do.

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2. Communication:

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that communication is one of the most important things needed with anything you do. Communication can make or break your efforts to connect with your team, manage and coordinate initiatives, and build trust within your school.

Good leaders communicate with an intention, they communicate based on the needs and preferences of the team as well as the school. Leaders who communicate thoroughly, consistently, and honestly build trust with their teams, increase confidence, and help create an environment where everyone thrives.

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3. Courage:

Successful school leaders show great determination, with the willpower and patience to see things through. They are willing to take risks and are willing to address matters that need to be addressed.

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4. Passion:

Successful school leaders are passionate about teaching, learning and show great commitment. They take an active interest in their role and strive for excellence in the final result of a worked on idea.

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5. Emotional intelligence:

Successful school leaders are team-builders. They understand the importance of relationships, empower staff and students and show great empathy. Once you build that relationship everything else comes naturally with time, such as being open, including humour and trust.

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6. Judgment:

Leaders need to show great judgment, make the right calls and be wise leaders. Crucially, however, it isn't simply a matter of acting alone. It's about involving the team as well as the whole school community to take people forward together.

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7. Resilience:

Sometimes being a leader is full on, so many things are thrown at you and you think you have to impress everyone and get along with everyone. Successful school leaders are optimistic and resilient, remaining calm in a crisis and being energetic and positive at all times. You have to find ways to keep yourself steady in challenging situations. You aren’t going to please everyone but as long as you know you did your best and did everything you could that is what is important.

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8. Persuasion:

The best school leaders are confident communicators and storytellers. They are great persuaders and listeners. They are also great motivators, going the extra mile to get more people on board.

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9. Curiosity:

Successful school leaders are outward-looking and curious. Taking in ideas from inside and outside the school, whether that be researching or trying something new. Don’t be afraid to give something a go, if it isn't successful try again another way, which leads to good problem solving. Seize all opportunities and build great networks with the team, staff and students.

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10. Hold themselves accountable:

Good leaders hold themselves accountable and are always working to improve and progress. Everyone makes mistakes, we are only human, but it takes a bigger person to admit when things have gone wrong. Accountability and continual improvement require a commitment to seeking and acting on feedback, learning from mistakes, and course correcting. Accountability includes communicating plans, setting expectations, and following up on promised actions. Good leaders hold themselves and their teams accountable so that everyone is on the same page and can rely on one another to get the job done. When accountability is modeled from the top, everyone improves.

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11. Show gratitude:

A grateful leader is a powerful leader. Gratitude breeds positive interactions and connection, increases engagement, and builds resilience. Grateful leaders understand that success is a team effort and they make sure to recognise the work and contributions of their team. Good leaders make a point of showing gratitude and recognising the work of their team members by: Listening to everyone's ideas, taking on feedback and addressing needs whilst also acknowledging individual and collective contributions. Leaders who practice gratitude in small and big ways can make a meaningful impact on the team's engagement. Good leadership is about more than just managing tasks and tracking performance. Leadership means going ahead and paving the way for your team and the school community. I am grateful for being elected Vice President, I didn’t think it would happen and I am grateful for the amazing team I had and was surrounded by. I am also grateful for the stronger bond that developed between Taryn and I over our leadership journey in and out of school. Also for the times shared with Lauren, having one of my best friends with me the whole way, so thank you to you both <3. An honourable mention to of course Amy who randomly attended meetings.

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12. Have Fun and Enjoy!

I will forever remember the memories and laughs shared on the team. You will have your differences there is no doubt about that, no team is perfect, but remember to have fun.

Beth and Alexia, I want you to give it your best go! You have your year and school community behind you supporting you all the way. How Taryn and I would love to be able to hand over our positions to you in person with the College Candle and congratulate you, but I don’t see that happening at the moment. Work with each other, work with your team and staff and have the best time making memories in your final year.

Regardless of your position, no one is more important than any other person on the team. Yes, the responsibilities may be different and the opportunities they get may be more than someone else, but you are all a team and each individual person and role makes up that team. You may not get along with everyone in the team but make sure you set aside differences to work together and listen to one another.

I hope you have a better year and are able to do many more things you plan to do, as the 2021 Leadership team missed out on so many events and initiatives we wanted to do. Bring the Bethlehem College spirit back that has been MIA for a little while. My time as Vice President has gone too quickly just like my time at school is fast approaching the end. Congratulations once again to all the leaders elected for the 2022 year. I wish you all the best and make the most of the opportunities you have and the time left, it really does go fast.

Este Fideles

“Through Hope We Flourish, Together We Prosper” 2021

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