In this episode of the organisational change series, Shane Leaning explores why alignment is crucial for successful change implementation in schools. Through practical examples and actionable strategies, he demonstrates how misalignment can derail even the most well-researched initiatives.

In this conversation, Claire Peet discusses the challenges women leaders face in international education. We explore how common leadership terms like 'imposter syndrome' and 'perfectionism' have become problematic labels that can be used against women leaders. Claire shares powerful insights about the double bind women face - being criticised both for adopting and rejecting traditional leadership traits.

At NESSIC's inaugural leadership conference, I captured something special - the birth of China's newest school network.

Grainne O'Reilly chats with Shane about the challenges and rewards of leading a startup school. She talks about the importance of embracing the unknowns and being open to asking for help. Grainne highlights the magic of a startup and the sense of ownership and excitement that every team member should feel. She also discusses the pattern of a post-Christmas dip in energy and offers advice on how leaders can support their teams during this time.

In this episode, Shane Leaning discusses the complexities of addressing challenges in educational settings. He talks through the importance of defining challenges clearly, reframing problems as opportunities, and balancing emotional responses with factual data. Shane shares insights on how to prioritise challenges effectively and encourages leaders to focus on the root causes of issues rather than getting overwhelmed by multiple initiatives. This episode highlights the need for courage in decision-making and the significance of collaboration among staff.

Paul Ainsworth discusses his book 'No Silver Bullets 2.0: The Heart and Soul of School Improvement'. We explore the concept of silver bullets in education and the need for a more nuanced approach to school improvement. Paul shares his framework for school improvement, which includes evaluating with honesty, planning with empathy, executing with confidence, and reviewing with humility. We discuss the importance of building relationships, developing confidence in teachers, and finding consistency within schools. Paul reminded me of the need for sustainable change and the power of small steps done consistently.

Discover why connection is essential before diving into change.

Chris Scorer and Shane Leaning explore how schools can create a data landscape that aligns with their diverse objectives, especially in international schools. We discuss the reluctance of data leads to embrace full transparency due to regulatory concerns, the educational journey parents and teachers must undertake to understand data, and practical strategies for integrating data into daily teaching.

In part 3 of his series on organisational change, Shane discusses the importance of the discovery phase in organisational change in schools. He emphasises the need to break the cycle of repeatedly addressing the same problems by exploring multiple perspectives and challenging assumptions. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust and connection within teams to facilitate open dialogue and innovative solutions. Leaning also stresses the value of diverse thinking in improving outcomes and the necessity of thorough discovery to avoid poor decision-making.

Ian Timbrell and Shane Leaning talk about range of topics related to LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, including the challenges faced by school leaders, the importance of representation in literature, and strategies for handling difficult conversations. The discussion highlights the need for inclusive practices and the impact of local representation on students' identities and experiences.

In part 2 of the Series on Organisational change, Shane discusses the complexities of organisational change in educational settings, focusing on the sponsor's perceived challenge. I talk about the importance of understanding the motivations behind change, the risks involved, and the necessity of community involvement to ensure sustainable change. The conversation highlights the need for sponsors to reflect on their challenges and engage with their communities to create a shared vision for change.

Haili Hughes and Shane Leaning discuss the ongoing crisis in the teaching profession, focusing on the challenges of teacher retention, the impact of toxic leadership, and the need for a supportive culture within schools. They explore the internal and external factors contributing to the crisis, including public perception, accountability, and the importance of psychological safety for teachers. The discussion emphasises the need for educational leaders to create environments that nurture growth and well-being for educators, ultimately benefiting students as well.

Shane introduces a mini-series focused on leading effective community-led change in schools. He presents an open-source change model inspired by Work Collaborative, emphasising the importance of community involvement, trust, and iterative processes. The model is structured around the double diamond framework, which facilitates exploration and problem-solving in organisational change. Shane outlines the eight stages of the model, highlighting the need for alignment among stakeholders and the significance of sustaining change over time.

Sharath Jeevan OBE explores the concept of inflection moments for leaders in education, addressing the challenges and opportunities they present.

Teacher capability procedures—words that send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned school leaders. In this episode, I share practical guidance to make this daunting task more manageable.

Shane and Aimee explore well-being in schools. Aimee shares her passion for well-being and how it started during her early years in school leadership. They discuss the importance of both feeling good and functioning well in order to achieve well-being.

Chris Scorer, an educational consultant and regular speaker on the international education circuit, shares a transformative and deeply personal perspective on literacy. We discuss how overly narrow definitions of literacy and an unyielding drive towards it can have detrimental effects on students, especially those with dyslexia or other literacy difficulties. Chris suggests a radical rethinking of our literacy strategies, advocating for broader frameworks to access and express knowledge that caters to individual learning needs.

In this episode, I explore principles that can guide every international school leader. As educators, we are public servants, and it's crucial to reflect on the values that drive our work. Are we truly acting in the best interest of our students?

I break down the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles, and challenge you to consider how they apply within your school setting.

Ann McPhee discusses leadership in an international context and the importance of cultural understanding and effective induction processes. She highlights the pitfalls of autocratic leadership and the myth of strong leadership, emphasising the importance of empathy, listening, and reflection. McPhee also emphasizes the power of soft leadership and the impact of small interactions and relationships in leadership. Overall, the conversation reveals the core of leadership as working with people and prioritizing their needs.

Here’s a refreshing 5-minute meditation, custom-made for international education leaders by Adele Burdon-Bailey, a psychotherapist from Priory, one of the UK's leading independent providers of mental health care and adult social care.

It's short, it's calming, and it can be practiced whenever you need a moment of peace and reflection.