In a nutshell, what makes an effective leader? Can anyone become a good leader?
The British Psychological Society Vice President David Murphy said last year: ˜Our understanding of leadership has been coming from a rather limited perspective, and one perhaps in which the œhero leader model is more dominant.™ Is that your impression too?
Have you had any particularly good or bad leaders?
What advice would you give to someone who has a bad leader?
The fact is that, if you would just let them, your teachers will take your school to the next level and beyond. But maintain control and you™re likely to grind them and yourself into the ground.
Experienced teachers are better able to manage as they have the wisdom of practice to be able to keep them in perspective. For new teachers however, the bad days can seem overwhelming, which is why the support of a mentor is so important so early in a teacher™s development.
Because I understand challenging children, you won™t catch me pleading for their attention with gimmicks ” what the kids call ˜begging it™. Do pupils really get anywhere by being taught where the Cuban Missile Crisis sits between ˜Lemon and Herb™ and ˜Extra Extra Hot!™ on the Nando™s ˜peri-ometer™? All this shows them is that you™ve never been to Nando™s.
I™m saying out loud what we teachers are not meant to say: that none of these trendy new teaching methods work. The chief recommendation of Asbo Teacher is simplicity. I urge teachers to equip themselves when they walk into a lesson only with a board pen.
Will Greenwood, former England rugby international and 2003 World Cup winner:
This is an exceptional book on leadership. Leader seamlessly combines fantastic stories with laser-sharp questions to prompt you to think, learn and, ultimately, grow your leadership capabilities.
If disaster strikes, pray for Shackleton; if a need for mental stimulation and insightful guidance hits you, then most definitely call for Katy and Emmie!
