Fulfilling potential
An alphabet for leadership learning Tracy Shand begins at the beginning before B for Boarding ADAPTABILITY
No two days are the same in boarding schools, so adapting to change is crucial. Have you ever had those days that look nothing like your original plan? Take time to ensure that you have a plan B, especially during report writing time when you know that crises will happen.
BODY LANGUAGE
Did you know that only 7% of your message is conveyed through words? When you work in another country, it can feel a lot less than that. The right body language makes things much easier, especially when you haven’t got a clue what people are saying!
COOPERATION
The world of education is made up of many teams. From catering to SLT, cooperation is key. With a missing link at any stage, your community will not run smoothly. What one step can you take to improve the teamwork on your front line?
DIPLOMACY
You are not going to get on with everybody, but it is important to show a united front and consider cultural differences. Be kind and respectful to each other.
EMPATHY
Life can be hard for everyone in your community. Put yourself in their shoes, what one thing do they need? Take time to connect.
FOCUS ON YOUR TEAM
Each person has different needs. What one step can you take to make a difference to the life of someone else?
GRATITUDE
Embrace the power of ‘thank you’. It costs you absolutely nothing and yet it makes a huge difference to how you are understood and remembered by people.
HONESTY
Honesty is always the best policy - just be careful how you phrase it!
INTERACTION
From the catering and domestic staff to the head teacher, successful boarding means positive interactions. Acknowledge everyone if you can - with a wave or a smile if you don’t have time to chat. And get to know people outside your normal professional circle.
JUDGEMENT
In our multicultural communities, cultural awareness is key. Keep an open mind – think before you act. Some of your pupils
may show very little on the surface and that may mean that they need you to watch more carefully.
KINDNESS
Perform a random act of kindness – enough said.
LISTENING
Active listening is crucial. Listen without interruption to what is being said and what is not being said. Can you remember the last time that someone really listened to you? How did it feel? Pay it back to someone in your team.
MENTORING
We all have skills to offer, so share your wisdom. Help new staff or boarders or become a volunteer mentor outside work.
NEGOTIATION
Look for a win-win situation when problems arise. Step back and apply De Bono’s PNI thinking strategy. For any situation, what is Positive, Negative and Interesting?
OPTIMISM
According to Jim Rohn ‘you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with’, so carry a positive attitude.
Autumn 2019
7
