Wellbeing

Adopting an unsuitable management approach can quickly de-motivate those you are leading and even cause them to shift from wanting to work at the setting to considering a move, due to how they are being led. By acting with honesty and transparency, your leadership will be more approachable and create a safe space for people to seek help when needed. 

I work with leaders at all levels to:

• reflect on leadership and management styles
• take time in knowing and understanding a team
• support with evidence gathering such as questionnaires or 360 degree employee reviews
• identify areas to develop
• incorporate these next steps into day to day and longer term actions
• negotiate and secure effective working relationships (for example, between governors / trustees and leaders, leaders and those they are leading or staff within different teams)

 'Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.' C.S. Lewis

Geese fly in the 'V' formation because this makes it easier for them to keep track of any bird in the group and to check their wellbeing. Regularly meeting, communicating with and welcoming feedback from those that you are leading will ensure you know what they need in order to be able to carry out their jobs safely and successfully. 

I work with leaders to: 

• establish staff-wellbeing risk-assessments
• ensure all staff are contributing their views
• embed risk assessments as working documents
• adopt opportunities throughout the academic year to welcome and initiate conversations about wellbeing 

* This can be planned and delivered within the school's / academy trust's Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies and procedures.*

'Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.' Sam Walton

Being responsible and accountable to others is always at the forefront of any leader's mind. So much so, our responsibility to looking after ourselves can become neglected. Maintaining overall leadership of any educational setting is unrecognised as one of the most difficult roles anyone could hold; accountable to so many, dealing with an overwhelming amount of information and daily operational challenges whilst attempting to remain 'strategically steadfast' is now too often affecting leaders' physical and mental health.  Although also one of the most rewarding roles anyone could hold, this is sadly why many who have become involved in leadership choose not to progress to this level and why leaders more than ever deserve their own focused help and support.

I work with leaders, drawing on my own experiences, to: 

• reflect on work-life balance
• prioritise personal health and wellbeing
• experience positive self-affirmation
• re-focus
• build confidence in direction setting

along with any other area that would be beneficial.

*This can be planned and delivered 1:1 or as a group of leaders*

'The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.' Tony Blair

'Lend an ear' means 'to listen sympathetically or attentively' and this is exactly what I offer here if you are a Principal Leader. As a Headteacher, sometimes what I really needed was to be able to just have a chat with someone not directly involved, but who completely understood. To not necessarily receive advice, or reach a solution, but to be able to talk something over. Or just to be able to drop the persona, sigh a lot and have a good moan! The job can sometimes be a lonely one, so it's good to have different outlets available for emotions that may otherwise stay bottled up.

*I am a trained adult mental health first aider through MHFA England, but not a counsellor. If at any time during our chat I became concerned about your mental health, I would recommend that this is conveyed to your line manager / Chair of governors / CEO and that you seek professional help as quickly as possible* 

Coaching isn't counselling, therapy or even about giving advice. Coaching is a dialogue to help someone find their own solution to achieve their set goal. It's about empowering them and building their confidence. 

This can be hugely beneficial for: 

• leaders in post
• leaders looking to progress
• leaders debating with themselves over whether to leave the role
• educators considering entering leadership

'As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.' Bill Gates

I am currently completing my Diploma in Personal Performance Coaching so that I can use these skills with leaders in education, or those who have a goal to enter into education leadership.

During this period of time I can offer FREE coaching sessions as a stand-alone service or to complement work we may already be undertaking together. If you are interested in this, please contact me for more details.

I can work with education settings to create bespoke wellbeing packages to meet individual needs and budgets.