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From Vision to Impact – Leading with a Shared 'Why'

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Director of Learning, Nordics

Why School Leadership Needs a Clear and Profound ‘Why’

In education, the power of purpose cannot be overstated. Simon Sinek, renowned leadership expert, argues that people don’t buy into what you do, they buy into why you do it. As leaders in education, we must understand that our ‘Why’ sets the tone for everything that follows. The ‘Why’ isn’t just a vague idea; it’s a mission that resonates with everyone involved, one that guides every action and decision within the school.

Setting the ‘Why’ for an educational institution is no small task. The vision created by school leaders will influence teachers, students, parents, and, ultimately, the future of the society we are shaping. We’re not merely preparing students for the next stage of education but for life itself. A deep, well-articulated ‘Why’ is not optional, it’s essential.

The 'Why': A Framework for Impact

A school’s purpose should go beyond academic success. It should focus on shaping students into responsible, compassionate, and critical citizens. Schools are the only places where we meet every child at some point in their lives. Unlike other institutions, schools have the unique power to impact every single child, regardless of their background or circumstances.

When leaders understand and communicate their ‘Why’ clearly, it influences the entire school community. Teachers feel aligned with a greater purpose, parents are confident that their children are in good hands, and students are more engaged, knowing they are part of something that truly matters.

However, understanding and communicating the ‘Why’ isn’t enough. Leaders must live and embody their ‘Why’ in every action they take. It’s not enough to simply talk the talk, school leaders must walk the walk. Every decision, conversation, and action should reflect the school’s core mission, whether it’s designing curriculum, hiring staff, or engaging with parents, everything must align with the ‘Why.’

A clear ‘WHY’ in education also requires a strong commitment to inclusion. It’s about recognizing the value in every student, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. Every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
– Martin Bieber, Director of Learning, Nordics

 

Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, it’s crucial for effective education. When students feel excluded or invisible, they may seek validation in harmful ways. As Hjalmar Söderberg wrote, "One wants to be loved; if that’s not possible, admired; if not that, feared; and if not that, hated and despised. One wants to inspire some kind of feeling in others. The soul recoils from emptiness and craves contact at any cost."

This speaks to the danger of neglecting inclusion. Without a sense of belonging, students may resort to negative behaviors to get attention. Creating an environment where all students are recognized for their strengths mitigates this risk and helps them reach their full potential.

The 'Now What' Principle: Moving Beyond the Same Problems

Linda Cliatt-Wayman, a former principal in Philadelphia, introduced the powerful principle of “So What, Now What” in her TED Talk “Lead Fearlessly and Love Hard.” She challenges us to stop rehashing the same problems and to focus on finding solutions. The 'So What?' part asks us to confront the reality that we’ve already discussed the issues. The 'Now What?' is about moving beyond the problems to find actionable, effective solutions.

In education, this principle encourages school leaders to take responsibility, move beyond excuses, and actively create solutions. It’s not enough to identify challenges, we must be solution-oriented, focused on progress, and unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that every student is included and supported.

Every Kid Needs a Champion: Rita Pearson’s Legacy

Rita Pearson’s TED Talk “Every Kid Needs a Champion” highlights the importance of educators being mentors, role models, and advocates for every student. Pearson believes that every child needs someone who believes in them, someone who will encourage them and push them to achieve their best. This isn’t just about academic content; it’s about building relationships that inspire trust and drive kids to reach their full potential.

School leaders must empower their staff to become champions for every child. This goes hand in hand with the commitment to inclusion. Every student, no matter their challenges, needs someone who will stand up for them and help them succeed.

Pearson’s message reminds us that our ‘Why’ is not just about the institution; it’s about the individual children who walk through our doors every day. If every child has a champion, we create a supportive environment where no child feels the need to seek validation from negative influences.

A Call to Action for School Leaders

As educators, we know the stakes are high. Our students are the leaders of tomorrow, and the world they inherit will be shaped by the decisions we make today. School leaders should take full ownership of the ‘Why’ and ensure that it’s a living, breathing force that drives everything the school stands for.

We must lead with purpose. We must be willing to challenge the status quo. We must inspire our teams to see that every child matters and that their success is our collective responsibility. And we must be unwavering in our commitment to making a lasting impact, not just in the classroom, but in the world.

If we, as leaders, don’t clearly articulate our ‘Why,’ how can we expect anyone else to? How can we expect our students to believe in a future they can’t yet see, or our teachers to invest in a mission they don’t understand?

The time to act is now. The future of our children, depends on it.

It’s worth pausing to reflect on Hamish Brewer’s reminder: ‘Have you been the difference for kids today?’

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