LEARNING LEADERSHIP IN CHALLENGING TIMES

‘Leadership is not governed by circumstance or environment, rather it is defined by the actions one takes despite these circumstances.’ – Ruyton Student Leader 2020

Leading Ruyton during this extraordinary time of COVID-19 has been both challenging and yet a profound learning experience for staff and students. Our Year 12 girls have experienced firsthand what it takes to be an authentic leader in disruptive and challenging times: ‘Our Year 12 words that we pledged to lead by earlier this year, radiance and unity, have miraculously found a way to keep us all united and connected, together while apart.’ Some of our Year 12 girls shared personal insights about their journey and leadership lessons as they navigated many challenges – personally, socially, and academically. Little did they know at the beginning of the year they would be engaging in a tsunami-like learning curve: ‘As a leader, I have learnt to “overcome, adapt and pivot” … when you are navigating uncharted waters, it is easy to feel as though you are sinking, but knowing everyone is in the same boat makes it a lot easier to stay afloat.’ They have embraced the challenges and recognised the strength of ingenuity, adaptability and the unity that prevails when teams pull together, communicate, and generously support each other, despite the obstacles. Unexpected surprises fed their spirits and enabled them to dig deep to serve their community. As they discovered that their success depends on enabling the success of others, they adopted a leadership style of serving others that was both effective and inspiring: ‘I have witnessed incredible compassion from students in our School community and the initiation of amazing ideas solely for the benefit of others.’ This year our student leaders learnt from the many curve balls thrown at them, accepting the challenge to grow through resilience rather than fall into the depths of despair. They also learnt that in order to effectively lead during adversity, it was critical to adopt self-care practices and adapt to external situations they could not control: ‘This situation has allowed me to uncover parts of my character that I had not really valued beforehand. I now feel proud of my sense of determination and willingness to challenge myself, my perseverance and conviction.’ ‘I have learnt to go with the flow, to flow with and adapt to the situation. I realised there is really no point trying to live a normal life during unprecedented times. I learnt to adjust to the situation and not be too harsh on myself when things don’t go to plan. This is a time for self-love, self-care and compassion.’ These leadership skills and dispositions may not have eventuated if this had been a ‘normal’ year. Our student leaders have shown a determination to lead authentically; to work collaboratively and cohesively as a united team; to adapt and look out for others; to embody the power of positivity; to perform acts of gratitude and kindness, and importantly, to lead with a strong sense of service to their beloved community. Dr Bernadette Nicholls Student Leadership Co-ordinator