I used to be dead against being a leader of any sort in the school hierarchy, mainly because of how many people I saw change once they got some authority. I didn’t want to become that person. I also saw how people around you change. In my previous school, I used to see the management of the school sitting on their own table for lunch and the other teacher on another. It just seemed that their had to be that clear divide between the two groups. I know it’s not the best example but it’s something that sticks with me whenever I think of being in management.
However some things changed, which motivated me to become what my current position is today. as the head of department of physical education. One of my close friends and colleague from my previous school became the DP co-ordinator and she was very young to be in that position. However, her style of management was something I observed and liked. She raised her standards of the department not by being the authoritative figure, but by building a team ethos, where they felt comfortable sharing everything knowing that they won’t be judged and that they would work together to find the best solution. She also continued to sit next to me when we were having lunch :)
Another thing I quickly realised was that I was becoming that member of staff who was complaining about how things were being done and questioning the purpose of some decisions. I didn’t want to be that person and the alternative to that was to be in a position where I can make those decisions or at least be involved in making those decisions.
This is my second year at my current school, but my first year being the head of department. I observed in my first year and felt there were changes needed to be made to make the programme focused on physical literacy, rather than what is easiest for the teacher. However, the biggest challenge for me this year is developing the sport teams. We have beautiful facilities, yet our teams were almost non existent. This was also all of the management biggest concern when I interviewed for this job. I feel we have made a good start this year, in terms of building our teams, but maybe I should write about that at the end of the school year, when I get to see the big picture.
In terms of management so far, I have implemented a few things (not new) that I feel are helping me become a better leader.
Keeping a calm head
I have found that being in this position, all parties tend to complain to you about anything and everything. This can take it’s toll on you. I have found that by listening and offering a realistic solution (sometimes not what they want to hear) has helped me build a good relationship with others. Keeping a calm head in all situations and having some time to think about the solution is the way forward. When observing other leaders, I see that they act on impulse and let their emotions get the best of them when making a decision.
Communication
I think this is probably the most important for me. I have observed in the past that too many teachers communicate by email, which is the easiest way, especially if you are working in a big school. However, I’ve seen too many problems come from emails, as the way they are written are often misconstrued. Therefore, whatever I can say face to face is often much better, whether that’s through a phone call or I physically walk to their office. This also gives you an answer straight away rather than waiting for an answer. If I’ve tried 3-4 times and cannot find them, then I resort to an email.
Lead by example
Don’t ask someone to do something that you won’t do yourself and if you can, do it with them. I often find as leaders, we neglect the little things and often pass it on. It’s happened to me before and I remember how it felt, so I don’t want the other person to feel like I did. A small thing such as stapling backing paper on the board, where I asked my department to do it, but as soon as I started doing it, everyone got up and helped out. There are many other examples, but it’s the small things that stick sometimes.
I’ve also realised that not everyone shares the same passion as you in your subject. I’ve come across many PE teachers who just want to do their job and go home, but our job is much more than that. I can’t expect my team to put the extra time in if I don’t do it myself. I think by being an example, it rubs off onto others and creates a positive vibe around the department.
I know there are many more and I’d love to reflect on this at the end of the year. This is a post I’ve been wanting to write for a long time, but it would be interesting to see how my leadership has developed by the end of the school year and to share what has worked for me. I feel as a leader, it has given me a new challenge to develop as a person and as a professional. If you have any another tips that may help me or others, please comment and share.
(Photo taken from www.ted.com)