Reflections: 7 bits of advice on Leadership
Key takeaways from a recent mentoring session
In a recent mentoring session (I was the mentee), the discussion centred on seven specific insights, or bits of advice, that provided valuable food for thought. Each one applied directly to my journey, prompting me to reflect on my approach to work and life. It was a fascinating session touching on both the personal and professional, and made me think seriously about how I’m balancing my responsibilities, efforts and where I might consider easing off a little. The conversation sparked some interesting discussion and the reflections are summarised in the following takeaways.
1 Don’t Overthink It
It’s all too easy to get caught up in details and see issues where none exist. Our conversation emphasised the importance of serious thought, but I was advised to be cautious of overthinking - a reminder that’s easier said than done! I need to work hard not to let things interfere with my calmness or overall wellbeing. We all have those moments when we wake up in the night with "stuff" on our minds, and the best way to handle it might be to jot down thoughts and consider them dealt with for now. Overthinking can lead to second-guessing, and it reminded me of Hanlon’s Razor: “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by neglect, ignorance, or incompetence.” We rarely know the full motivations of others, so it’s better to avoid assumptions and rabbit holes. Lately, I’ve been actively working on trying to do less, but doing it better and overthinking is definitely something I need to add to that list.
2 Call Upon Others
I was reminded of the importance of reaching out when things feel overwhelming -professionally and personally. Leadership can often feel isolating, and it was interesting to discuss how leaning on others not only provides support but also prevents the loneliness that can come with senior roles. I feel fortunate to have a solid group of people I trust, not just within my team but amongst the wider staff body, and beyond our school. Still, this message was important, especially considering the frustrations and occasional imposter syndrome that can arise with increased responsibilities. I’m comfortable leaning on others and generally know exactly who I’ll go to for different things. However, on reflection, I’m considering reconnecting with a few contacts that may have slipped over time. The saying, “Dig the well before you’re thirsty,” comes to mind. While it may feel transactional, reconnecting often brings mutual value.
3 It’s Just a Job…
This one made me smile. Before our session began, I was sharing a few frustrations from the previous week, and I wrapped up by saying, “I have to remember, it’s just a job.” This was a natural segue to kick off our session. We discussed how, no matter how intense things get, a good way to deal with stress and pressure is to remember that it’s just a job. It’s not demeaning to think this way; it’s a reminder that we can make a difference without carrying every responsibility personally. Setting boundaries is crucial, and it helps to remember that we’re all replaceable. If things feel overwhelming, I can always return to the grounding fact: it’s just a job.
4 Have Fun!
I was reminded of the importance of enjoying my role and keeping things in perspective. We discussed how vital it is not to let work change who I am. Having a sense of humour and finding moments of fun in the job are essential for maintaining balance and resilience. Fun is incredibly important to me, and if I find myself not enjoying work for several days in a row, it’s a clear signal that something needs to change. Fortunately, I genuinely enjoy what I do now. Looking back, it’s evident that whenever the enjoyment has faded in the past, I’ve taken steps to adjust—whether by rethinking my approach, changing roles, shifting careers, or even deciding to go travelling when it felt like the right move. Fun is definitely a compass that guides me…I hope those I work with find it as much fun as I do…I think this needs to be a question to add into the next 360 I do.
5 Be Clear About Purpose
Clarity of purpose is essential. Knowing what you want, what you believe, and your “why” is critical when considering strategy. This reminded me of Stephen Covey’s story about the leader who climbs a tree, looks around, and realises they’re in the wrong jungle. In our daily operational work, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds. It’s crucial to step back occasionally, view the big picture and check that I’m aligned with my purpose. At our school, we often have multiple projects running simultaneously, so we need to revisit our purpose regularly to ensure we’re on track. As Dylan Wiliam says, “The essence of effective leadership is stopping teachers from doing good things, to give them more time to spend on even better things.” It’s easier said than done, but having a clear purpose facilitates a more intentional approach. I am encouraged to avoid being driven purely by busyness and to make decisions rooted in values, not reactivity. Whenever we ‘add’, we really do need to look at what can make space.
6 Beware of Ego
This point came with a memorable story about a leader who lacked self-awareness and was known for being completely self-absorbed. Feedback eventually got through to them, highlighting the importance of keeping one’s ego in check. We all have egos, but it is definitely size that matters here. Ego can cloud clarity and inhibit effective thinking. I was encouraged to continue seeking feedback with humility, presenting myself as open and receptive. We discussed whether I might come across as someone whose ego gets in the way, and I’ll keep striving for honest feedback. I believe I’m seen as approachable and receptive to feedback, even the difficult kind. Just this week, I’ve had a handful of conversations that suggest people feel comfortable bringing challenging feedback to me.
7 You Can’t Fix Everything
We discussed my tendency to take on too much. I was reminded that I don’t need to take responsibility for every issue. It’s easy to feel like I should fix everything, but I need to recognise my limits and remember that fixing things for others doesn’t always help them grow. While it may be quicker to step in, it’s often better to let others figure things out themselves. The idea that I’m not here to “perform miracles” resonates - it’s about doing my best without carrying the weight of everything that could go wrong; this had me thinking about the “Who’s got the monkey” article from the HBR, something that is always good to revisit. I have been reflecting and re-considering my priorities clearly, focusing on what I can realistically impact. My workload might feel more manageable if I stick to what aligns with my role and responsibilities, though I know I’ll always want to help out where I think I can add value.
Reflecting on these insights was a chance to zoom out and have a little think about my purpose. The session was a timely reminder to stay grounded, keep my ego in check, and focus on what truly matters in leadership. It’s about controlling what I can, staying in my lane a bit more, and continuing to develop my approach. All valuable lessons...