Day 4 - Curiosity
The more I have reflected, the more I think curiosity is such an important leadership trait, and one that I was lacking at the start of my leadership journey. I have to admit that when I started out I falsely assumed that my own problems and priorities, would be important for other people too.
Curiosity works at many levels in leadership.
First, by showing curiosity as a school leader you are practically role modelling that your school really is a life-long learning organisation. Being curious involves taking risks (you may find out things, you wish you didn’t) and pushes you out of your comfort zone – but this is exactly what we should be role modelling.
Second, being curious should lead you to building better relationships with your team. Most people bring their whole self to work (and always respect those who don’t). Do you care about the things your team really cares about? Here’s a test. Do you know
1) the name of everyone in the school (inc all domestic staff, cleaners, security etc),
2) the names of their pets,
3) the names of their children/ partners (those who wish to talk about them)…
What else could/ should you know?
If you don’t care about this kind of thing and it doesn’t match what you believe leaders should do, then don’t do it – you would just be being manipulative; but if you genuinely care but just haven’t got around to doing it, then why don’t you start now. I wish I had.
Icebreaker (online or f2f) for staff training session
- Place the participants in groups of 2;
- Ask them each to go to the gallery of their mobile phone and to select the 6th most recent photo taken;
- If they are happy to share this (and it is legal!) they take turns explaining to their partner what the photo is about (they can choose a different photo if the 6th one is not appropriate).
