Fellow educators and future leaders: if you find yourself amidst the chaos, contemplating when the universe aligns for that leap into leadership, you’re not alone. I was once that ambitious 25-year-old teacher, taking on more and more responsibility but questioning whether I was truly ready. I now speak as a proud member of the Senior Leadership Team, have been wearing the KS1 Phase Leader hat since February 2022 and am striving for the next step in my journey. After navigating imposter syndrome at the Step Up Network launch event, we’re diving into timing, tips, well-being wisdom, my own journey, the importance of being a trustworthy professional and the nuanced difference between leading people and managing workloads.

Your Cosmic Calendar Doesn’t Exist, Doubt Does

No sugar-coating – there’s no magical calendar dictating when leadership is due.

Imposter syndrome, that nagging doubt, tends to linger. If you’re questioning whether you’re ready, trust me, you’re not alone. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about navigating the chaos, taking risks and being open to learning. The pathway to leadership is not a perfectly paved road; it’s more like a meandering trail with occasional potholes.

Differentiating Leadership and Management: Balancing Act Unveiled

Let’s put the spotlight on a crucial aspect – leading people is a whole different ball game compared to managing workloads. It’s easy to slip into a managerial mindset, focusing solely on tasks and deadlines. However, true leadership involves understanding and inspiring the individuals you work with.

Consider feedback – not just on your workload management but on your leadership style. Have you been told you’re good at ticking off to-do lists or have you been praised for fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture? It’s crucial to recognise the distinction between being a manager of tasks and a leader of people. Striking the right balance ensures not only productivity but also a thriving and motivated team.

Top Tips:

1. Time Management Mastery: Juggling is an art. Manage your time, know what needs attention and delegate like a pro.

2. Communication Street Smarts: Talk straight, listen keenly and create an environment where ideas flow like coffee on a Monday morning.

3. Adapt or Get Left Behind: The education world is a wild ride. Adapt, pivot and view challenges as chances to flex those problem-solving muscles.

4. Stay Relevant: Don’t be the outdated textbook. Attend workshops, keep learning and stay in the loop with the ever-changing education scene.

5. Keep it Real: Your vibe sets the vibe. Foster an environment where everyone feels valued – no motivational poster needed. 

6. Draw Some Lines in the Sand: Work-life balance is not a myth. Set clear boundaries; your downtime is for you, not just more work.

7. Delegate Like a Boss: You’re not a one-person show. Delegate, collaborate and remember, teamwork makes the dream work.

8. Treat Yourself: Regularly do things that make you happy. A well-rested leader is a less grumpy leader.

9. Find Your Squad: You need a support system. Surround yourself with people who can lend an ear and share a good eye roll.

10. Roll with the Punches: Reflect, learn and focus on solutions. Life’s too short to stress about every hiccup.

Taking Risks and Earning Trust:

Two years into teaching, I took a wild swing and applied for the Senior Leadership Team.

If nothing else, it was a chance for me to experience one of the stepping stones into leadership (the recruitment process) with people I’d worked with and trusted. I remember asking my boss if I was “wasting his time” by expressing my interest. He told me that he had every faith in me and wouldn’t be wasting his time at all. 

Was it risky? For my school, absolutely. An inexperienced RQT (as it was then) becoming a member of SLT and leading a phase of 120 children, 4 teachers and 10 support staff. Did it pay off? Humbled to say, it really did. I’ve gained momentous respect from staff, parents and pupils, I’ve lead the phase through 2 successful academic years, I’ve been instrumental in strategic movement on a whole-school level and I’m recognised for my abilities and achievements. 

Leadership is not a stage for perfection; it’s a platform for reality. It’s about being someone others look up to, a professional others can rely on. It’s recognising that trust isn’t handed out like sweets; you earn it.

So, take that risk when it feels right. Be real, be reliable and be the professional your team can trust.

If there’s only one thing you take from this blog post, I hope it’s inspiration. Whether it’s subject leadership, middle leadership, senior leadership or beyond – the right time is when you decide it is. Take a breath and grab leadership by the metaphorical horns. You’ve got this! Now, go conquer those dreams, make the education world your playground and, of course, take care of yourself along the way.