‘A person that has multiple professions and skills’

Definition of multi-hyphenate

Teachers are natural multi-hyphenates. 

Being a multi-hyphenate leader means exploring multiple roles to explore multiple interests. This process of exploring can be difficult to manage, especially alongside motherhood, but it’s given me the ability to see a whole range of leadership career paths outside of my school. It’sincredibly easy to get stuck in a rut; or see the school bubble as the only path to walk on. Moments of change in your leadership journey will ‘involve a web of connections between people and structure as the organisation engages and supports continuous learning…’ (Sinnema and Stoll, 2020: 15). Becoming familiar with this ‘web’ (ibid) will support your growth in the short, medium and long term future. Get to know everyone! What’s more! Twitter has exploded the conventional stereotypes of successful connections. Social media platforms have propelled practitioners into leadership roles that go beyond the day-to-day runnings of school. Not only are there support groups for every stage of teacher, or daily connections posts like #TinyVoiceTalks by Toria Bono and #FFBWednesday by Deputy Grocott. There are opportunities for YOU to explore and even chase! 

1. Don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Always connect: with others who share the same passion.
3. Share what you are doing.

THINK ABOUT!  What’s one thing you love about your job? How could you connect with others based on these passions?

Purposeful Leadership

Consider the moments that have felt purposeful to you. 

THINK ABOUT; When did you feel you were in the right place and the right time? 

A big part of the job in education relies on intuition (that gut feeling) which guides our decision in the classroom, pastorally and later professionally. Being in an industry that requires you to juggle your own and others values, attitudes and feelings, the day to day runnings of leadership can be chaotic and messy. Hitting targets, getting data inputted and firing emails at the keyboard – this can lead to a distance imparted from the purpose you took that leadership role and the day-to-day realities of your practice. With authentic leaders  ‘They are careful to balance their motivations so that they are driven by these inner values as much as by a desire for external rewards or recognition.’ (George, Sims, McLean and Mayer, 2007: 2). In engaging with this juggling act it’s important to: 

1. Take a step back. 
2. See the bigger picture. 
3. Hone in on ‘What’s the purpose?’ 

THINK and DO: When you imagine a successful you, what does it look like? Draw it now. Write it down now. How far are you away from it? 

Creating Connections

Use all the platforms available to you to make meaningful and purposeful connections. Get talking and discussing the topics that make you want to stay in the profession. Consider finding your tribe that makes you grow and be better as a leader, whether that be real or virtual. 

In all cases, creating meaningful and purposeful connections takes time. Understanding people takes time. Start now! THINK and DO: Who would you like to reach out to? Why? What do you want to learn from them? Talking to others enables you to create a space where you can learn and cultivate a space for learning. You might find coaching and/ or mentoring is a more supportive route in developing with a leadership role.

SAY YES!

Say YES to opportunities! But know when to say NO! Consider which opportunities are right for you and go for it! Searching for opportunities outside of your bubble is a great way to begin following your interests. If you’re not too sure where to start, ask others to see what’s available and  search educational platforms/ websites. Even better, try collaborating on joint ventures with other practitioners, this way you will be able to learn and grow through the opportunity. What’s more, try to say yes to opportunities that push you outside of your comfort zone; opportunities that propel you to a place you want to go. THINK, would I regret this? If not, go for it!

1. Get clicking.
2. Get asking.
3. Get out there!

References

● George, S. Sims, P. McLean, A.N. and Mayer, D. (2007) Harvard Business Review. 

● Sinnema, C. and Stoll, L. (2020) Learning for and realising curriculum aspirations through schools as learning organisations.. European Journal of Education: Research, Development and Policy.