A brilliant leader once shared something with me that has become one of my life lessons. He said: “When people work hard, they begin to believe that the work they are doing must be important”. There is nothing wrong with people who have a strong work ethic. That’s important to me, too. People will work […]
I am sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions”? It used to make much sense to me. But now I’m not so sure. It’s become increasingly evident to me that whilst some tenets of good leadership (integrity and empathy, for example) will probably endure for all time, some things need […]
Something fantastic happened to me today. A kid walked up to me and said: “Where were you yesterday? I missed you!” I was caught off guard by the question. It was so unexpected, so out of context, that I think it ranks as one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced as a school leader. […]
“All we need is another photocopier.” When I started teaching, I promised myself that if I stayed long enough to become a school leader, I would install a second photocopying machine to improve staff morale and wellbeing. Nothing was more frustrating than having to join the queue of grumpy, pre-caffeinated teachers waiting for their turn […]
As well as packing away the Christmas decorations, one of the things I enjoy doing each New Year is having a good declutter. I feel like I’ve spent my life moving house (I’ve just counted: I am currently in my 22nd house), so I’ve built this habit more out of necessity than anything else. Both […]
I do not intend to become a book reviewer, but I have a short story about how I decided to keep just three books this year. Curating the Keepers As readers, there are a few books we read each year that leave a lasting impression. They will change how we understand or feel about something, […]
The Corner Office I watched the TV series Suits for 10 (ten!) seasons and couldn’t get enough of it. Looking back, I now question why. Sure, I loved the childish interplay between the main protagonists, Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Louis Litt was fun. And I loved to hate Megan. But what else? Did I […]
I Love You Every so often, my wife ‘advises’ me to go for a long walk. Is she trying to tell me to shape up? Or does she sense I need to clear my head? I am sure she will love me whether I go or not, but I go because I think I need to […]
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity opens up to go to the most prestigious chocolate factory in the world. Everyone wants to go, but there are only a few places available. So, a lottery is set up in the style of a treasure hunt for one of five Golden Tickets, hidden away in […]
This timeless story is about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. It starts with Everybody saying that the education system is broken and something needs to change. It’s assumed that Everybody will kick things off because they always go on about it. Everybody says nothing will be the same after COVID-19, AI will change […]
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