Leading in the dark

The challenges of school leadership mirror the challenges of life. I am often asked about the most challenging moments I have experienced as a school leader and I always reply with the same response. Leading during dark times. Managing to control your own emotions whilst supporting others is a large ask. I remember the time a colleague was facing a terminal illness and students were not aware. Keeping parents and students onside when you knew the colleague was being amazing turning up to teach lessons but that the end was in sight, was difficult. However the biggest ask was keeping tears at bay when the colleague died and the entire school had to be told. Deciding whether to stay at school or go to the funeral, knowing that there was no right or wrong, simply going with what felt right. Leading in those dark moments means holding on to what keeps you strong. Taking each moment as it comes.

I recently talked about leadership surfing the waves of emotion in a building. Go with the flow as there are real highs and lows in the field of education. It's not just the long planned for death of a colleague but also the annual resignation deadlines. Each subject leader, phase leader and senior leader holds their collective breath as they wonder what their team will look like in the next academic term or year. Once you know who is staying or going then it is the preparation for the adieu or final goodbye. When you have worked with colleagues for years or during an intense time the end is like a wave of grief. You know that you won't be in that relationship together again but hope that the goodbye will not be forever.

So remember to take every day as it comes. Teamwork shares the emotional burden and there is always light at the end of each painful period of turbulence. Vulnerable leaders are courageous leaders as they embrace the challenges ahead.